- Max, a messaging application developed by Russia, must be pre -installed on each new device from September 1
- The domestic Rustore application store must also be forced to Apple devices, after being mandatory on Android
- According to reports, the authorities are considering block WhatsApp, the most popular messaging application today in Russia
A messaging application developed by Russia must be pre -installed in each new smartphone and tablet sold in Russia as of September 1, 2025, the government confirmed on Thursday, August 21.
The call Max, the WhatsApp rival, is also integrated with government services and has already reached 18 million registered users, according to Interfax.
Privacy experts have been increasing the alarm, arguing that Max could spy on their users. Something that the Kremlin denies strongly, arguing that “it has fewer permits to access user data than WhatsApp and Telegram rivals,” PakGazette said.
According to the government’s announcement, on September 1, the Rustore National Applications Store will also become mandatory on all Apple devices, since so far it was only forced to Android devices.
Can people in Russia continue using WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is currently the most popular messaging service in Russia, and the only application of target property not blocked in the country.
However, this could change soon, since the authorities have recently confirmed their intention to prohibit WhatsApp in Russia.
Talking with PakGazette on Friday, July 18, the deputy director of the Information Technology Committee of the Russian Parliament, Anton Gorelkin, said that “it is time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market”, while recalling that Meta has been designated as an extremist organization in Russia.
Two more governmental sources have confirmed to Meduza, a medium of Russian communication of independent media, which “there is a probability of 99 percent.” The WhatsApp block will happen.
Fast advance to August 13, Interfax confirmed that the authorities partially restrict calls in both Telegram and WhatsApp, supposedly as a measure to combat criminal and terrorist activities.
The impending WhatsApp prohibition occurs when the Kremlin also recently approved a law to punish online searches of the so -called ‘extremist’ content, while adding new sanctions to those who use VPN services.
This means that using one of the best VPN services to avoid a possible WhatsApp ban, or any other application, suddenly it has become increasingly challenging.
