Max messenger app russia smartphones intl and The Russian government is requiring the state-backed messaging app Max to be pre-installed on all smartphones and tablets sold in the country, a move that could increase surveillance of Russian citizens.

According to an official statement on Thursday, Max will be pre-installed on all devices starting September 1. The RuStore app, a local competitor to Apple’s App Store, will also be pre-installed on iPhones. In addition, the Lime HD TV app, which offers free access to Russian state channels, will be automatically installed on smart TVs in the country starting January 1.

Max was launched in March by state-controlled social media group VK as a replacement for VK Messenger, which has been on the government’s list of mandatory apps since 2023.

The new app allows users to send messages, make audio and video calls, and transfer money. More features are planned for the future, including the integration of a travel booking app, VK said in its latest annual report.

About 18 million people have signed up since Max launched, Russian state news agency TASS reported earlier this week, citing the platform’s press team.

Russia’s approach to foreign social media

Max is similar to the highly successful Chinese app WeChat, which offers users an all-in-one platform for messaging, social media posts, payments and bookings. User activity on WeChat is likely subject to strict state surveillance, experts have previously told CNN.

At the same time, Russia has taken steps to restrict the use of some foreign messaging services.

Russia has already banned Facebook, Instagram and X. Earlier this month, the Russian media watchdog announced restrictions on voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram “to combat criminals.” WhatsApp, in turn, accused Russia of blocking its 100 million Russian users from accessing the app.

Unlike Max, WhatsApp and Telegram offer end-to-end encryption, which prevents third parties from accessing user data.