Russia has ordered that a state-supported messaging application Max, described as a WhatsApp rival, should be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in the country starting from 1 September. The government confirmed the move in a statement on Thursday, saying that Max would be part of the list of compulsory apps for “gadget” including smartphones and tablets. Officials said that the app would also be integrated with government services, it would be further embedded in Russia’s digital ecosystem.

This push is part of Moscow’s widespread effort to create more control over the country’s internet and digital services. It comes at a time when Russia remains locked in a confrontation with the West over war in Ukraine, which the Kremlin has implicated the part of its campaign to shape a new global order.
Max, developed by state-controlled technology company VK, has so far been downloaded by 18 million people, although parts of the service remain in testing. In July, Independent Research firm Mediuscope reported that WhatsApp was the most popular messaging platform in Russia, with 97.3 million users, followed by Telegram 90.8 million. VK Messenger, another VK app, ranks third with 17.9 million users.

Critics have warned that Max can be used to monitor people’s communication. However, the Russian state media has rejected it, claiming that the app has less allowed to reach user data than WhatsApp and Telegram. The internal ministry has also defended the app, it has been said to be safe than its foreign rivals. At the same time, officials said that they had already arrested a fraud -fraud case.

The decision on Max follows the restrictions launched on some calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram earlier this month. Russian authorities accused both foreign -owned platforms, failing to share information with law enforcement about cases of fraud and terrorism.

WhatsApp has accused Moscow of trying to block the Russians from safe communication. Telegram says that according to an AFP report, “It actively combat its platform misuse, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud.” The company adds that it “removes millions of pieces of harmful materials every day”.

Apart from Max, the Russian government announced that from September, Apple equipment sold in the country should also come with the forest, the domestic app store that is already installed on all Android phones in Russia. Measures proceed in the house. From January 1, a television app called Lime HD TV, which provides access to state television channels for free, must pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia.

This step underlines Russia’s determination to push homegron digital platforms, limiting dependence on Western services. Will Russians adopt the same number of Max, as WhatsApp and Telegram are making uncertain, but with a compulsory pre-installation, the government is ensuring that the app will remain in the hands of millions of users from next month.