Russia to Mandate Pre-Installation of State-Backed MAX Messenger on All Devices
From 1st September 2025, all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia will be required to include the government-backed application MAX messenger, according to a statement issued by the Russian government on Thursday.
MAX Messenger Positioned as Rival to WhatsApp and Telegram
The MAX messenger app has been promoted as Russia’s alternative to foreign-owned platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Critics, however, have raised concerns that the app could be used for surveillance, given its state-controlled nature and integration with government services.
The move comes shortly after Russia restricted some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the platforms of refusing to share user data with law enforcement agencies in cases related to fraud and terrorism.
Expansion of Mandatory Pre-Installed Apps
Alongside MAX, Russia announced that its domestic app marketplace, RuStore, would also become mandatory on all Apple devices starting from 1st September. Until now, RuStore was pre-installed only on Android devices sold in the country.
In a further step towards increasing state influence over digital platforms, the government also confirmed that from 1st January 2026, smart TVs sold in Russia must come with LIME HD TV pre-installed. This application allows users to access Russian state television channels free of charge.
Push for Tighter Internet Control
The measures underline Moscow’s ongoing efforts to strengthen control over the country’s digital ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign-owned platforms. By mandating the inclusion of MAX, RuStore, and LIME HD TV, the Russian government is seeking to expand the reach of its own digital services while ensuring greater regulatory oversight of communication channels.
With inputs from Reuters
