Russia Bolsters Digital Sovereignty with Mandatory 'Max' Superapp Rollout

'Max' App Launched as National Messenger

The Russian Federation has officially rolled out the Max application, a new messaging platform and government services portal developed by the Russian media company VK. Introduced in 2025, with a beta version available in spring, Max is being positioned as Russia's 'national messenger' and 'superapp,' aiming to consolidate various digital functions into a single platform. The app's promotion by the Russian government intensified, with an official designation as the 'national messenger' on July 15, 2025.

Mandatory Pre-installation and Comprehensive Features

A significant step in its implementation, the Russian government mandated that Max must be pre-installed on all new mobile phones and tablets sold in the country starting from September 1, 2025. This requirement extends to Apple devices for the domestic app store, RuStore. The application is designed to offer a wide array of services, drawing comparisons to China's WeChat. Its features include:

• Messaging: Personal and group chats, voice and video calls, voice messaging, and file transfers up to 4 gigabytes.
• Government Services: Integration with the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, digital identity verification, electronic signatures, and payment functionalities. Documents submitted through Max are considered equivalent to paper originals.
• Educational Tools: Inclusion of educational services and chats for institutions at all levels.
• Advanced Technology: Incorporates a neural network called GigaChat and allows money transfers via the Faster Payment System of the Bank of Russia.

Registration for Max requires a valid Russian or Belarusian mobile phone number, with virtual or substitute numbers being blocked.

Part of Broader Digital Sovereignty Efforts

The introduction of Max is a central element of Russia's ongoing strategy to tighten control over its digital landscape and achieve 'digital sovereignty.' This initiative aims to reduce the country's reliance on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The rollout of Max coincides with increased restrictions and throttling of foreign messaging applications and platforms like YouTube. State media has promoted Max, while critics have raised concerns about potential user tracking and surveillance, noting that the app's privacy policy reportedly allows data sharing with government bodies. The Kremlin has also directed officials to migrate their Telegram channels to Max.

Historical Context of Internet Control

Russia's pursuit of digital sovereignty and internet control has been a long-term objective, with initial steps dating back to 2012 and culminating in the 2019 'sovereign internet' law. Recent years have seen significant crackdowns, including the blocking of a record 417,000 websites in 2024. The government's actions reflect a consistent effort to establish a domestically controlled digital ecosystem, ensuring information control and technological independence.