WhatsApp rival MAX messenger to come pre-installed in phones in Russia

Starting next month, all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia will come pre-installed with a new state-backed messaging application called MAX, which is positioned as a competitor to WhatsApp. This decision, announced by the Russian government, has raised concerns among critics who suggest that MAX may be used for user surveillance. As tensions with the West intensify over the situation in Ukraine, the Russian government is pushing for increased regulation of the digital landscape. MAX, which is designed to integrate seamlessly with government services, will be included in a list of mandatory applications effective September 1. Alongside MAX, Russia’s domestic app store, RuStore, will also be required on Apple devices, a move that was previously only applicable to Android devices. State media have dismissed allegations that MAX functions as a spying tool, asserting that it limits user data access more than its competitors, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Additionally, a new Russian-language TV application, LIME HD TV, is set to be pre-installed on all smart TVs in Russia starting January 1, allowing viewers to access state television channels at no cost. This initiative to promote local applications follows Russia's recent restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram, both owned by foreign companies, for allegedly not cooperating with law enforcement in criminal investigations. WhatsApp, which had approximately 97.3 million users in Russia as of July, countered these claims by accusing the government of obstructing secure communication access. Telegram, with a user base of 90.8 million, expressed its commitment to combatting misuse of its service. With MAX reportedly achieving 18 million downloads, despite some features still under testing, the Russian interior ministry emphasized the app's safety compared to international alternatives. However, it also revealed the arrest of a suspect involved in the first fraud case connected to MAX, highlighting ongoing concerns about security in the digital sphere.