Tech Desk 
Aug 21, 2025
In what is viewed as a move paving the way for tighter surveillance, Russia has mandated the pre-installation of state-backed messaging app MAX in smartphones and tablets.
The development will be implemented from next month, meaning all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia will come with MAX pre-installed, according to a government announcement on Thursday.
MAX was designed to counter the globally popular messaging platform WhatsApp, according to Reuters.
The forceful imposition of MAX's pre-installation in Russia comes on the heels of restrictions on calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, which are owned by foreign companies.
The Russian government accused the above-mentioned tech firms of not cooperating with law enforcement to address cases related to fraud and terrorism.
In a bid to increase control over the internet, the Russian government stated that MAX will be integrated with various government services. From September 1, it will be mandatory for all "gadgets" sold in the country.
The Russian government announced that the domestic app store, RuStore, which is already pre-installed on Android devices, must also be installed on Apple devices starting on the same date.
Further expanding its influence, the government disclosed that LIME HD TV, an online Russian-language TV app, which offers access to state TV channels free of cost, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1 next year.
