Russia pushes ‘national messenger’ in bid to replace WhatsApp after mounting pressure on foreign messaging apps. The government sees the app as a step toward digital control.
Authorities blame WhatsApp and Telegram for fraud, sabotage, and security threats. They have restricted voice calls on both platforms. Only text messaging remains largely functional.
Russia pushes ‘national messenger’ in bid to replace WhatsApp by forcing its use in many areas of life. The app, named Max, is backed by VK, a state-controlled firm. It shares user data with authorities and lacks strong encryption.
Starting September 1, Max must come preinstalled on all phones and tablets sold in Russia. This includes both Android devices and Apple products.
Max is designed to integrate messaging, government services, and payments—similar to China’s WeChat. It is still in beta, but already has millions of users.
The state is urging schools and businesses to adopt Max. Telecom providers offer it without using up users’ data.
Officials argue the move strengthens national security and reduces reliance on Western tech. Critics say Russia wants full control over communications and wants to surveil its citizens.
The app’s lack of end-to-end encryption means authorities can access user messages, raising warnings from digital rights groups. Some call it a tool for censorship.
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, condemned the restrictions. It said Russia is violating people’s right to secure communication. Telegram defended its efforts to combat harmful content.
Max had only a few million users in early summer. But after heavy promotion, reports show it has soared to around 18 million downloads.
The Kremlin treats Max as central to its digital sovereignty push. This move fits into a wide program of tightening internet control, including laws against VPNs and extremist content.
Russia pushes ‘national messenger’ in bid to replace WhatsApp, reflects tense politics and growing internet control. Max is now replacing WhatsApp step by step across society—even as critics warn of privacy loss and surveillance.
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