- Security researchers have found out
- The app must be pre -installed on each new device sold in Russia from September 1
- Kremlin is also considering blocking whatsapp, today’s most popular messaging -App in Russia
Russian WhatsApp rival, the state-developed Max Messaging app, seems to be designed to spy on his users.
It is the verdict that comes from several technical analyzes ordered by Forbes, only days before the app is forced into all devices sold in Russia. From September 1, tech suppliers must advance the maximum app on all new smartphones and tablets.
However, experts in the Russian digital rights group, Roskomsvoboda, told Techradar that Max actually comes with fewer permits than rivals such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Still, they still strongly suggest using the app for confidential communication.
“The bigger question lies in the fact that everything transmitted through Max will be stored on government servers,” Ilya Pervelov, technical expert at Roskomsvoboda and RK’s Global told Techradar, adding that the full influence on users “will be ready in the future.”
Developed by VK – The provider behind Mail.ru E-mail and VKNote Social Media Services – Max was first launched in March 2025 and already counts 18 million registered users, according to Russian News Agency Interfax. Like the Chinese WeChat, Max is also integrated with public services.
What is the risk of using Max?
Security researchers who talked to Forbes have all found that the app is constantly monitoring users’ activities thanks to “excessive tracking” features. The app also seems to be missing encryption protection while being built on a comprehensive uncertain design.
These findings confirm what privacy experts have long feared – using Max will make Russian citizens vulnerable to state monitoring. An assertion that the Kremlin has so far refused the Kremlin, which has been denied and declared Pakinomist that “it has fewer permits to access user data than rivals WhatsApp and Telegram.”
While experts at Roskomsvoboda confirmed what the Kremlin claims about the number of permits Max asking for, they still warn that the app could turn into a monitoring tool.
“Max has huge monitoring potential, as all information and communication within it is available for real -time intelligence agencies,” explains Pervelov.
Max users also have a higher risk of data violations and fraud, especially considering that sensitive data such as payment and bank information is set to be integrated into the app.
All in all, “Max should under no circumstances be used for confidential communication,” warns Prevelov.
Can people in Russia use other encrypted messaging services?
While signal has been blocked in Russia since August last year, WhatsApp is still available and the most commonly used messaging app throughout the country at the time of writing.
However, this could soon change as authorities have recently confirmed their intention to ban WhatsApp in Russia and block access to the only meta -owned service that is still working in the country.
Even recently, on August 13, 2025, Interfax confirmed that authorities partially limit calls to both Telegram and WhatsApp, allegedly as a measure to combat criminals and terrorist activities.
The threatening WhatsApp ban is coming as the Kremlin also recently passed a law to punish online searches according to so-called ‘extremist’ content while adding new sanctions to those using VPN services.
This means that using one of the best VPN services to bypass a potential ban on WhatsApp or any other app for that matter has suddenly become increasingly challenging.
