{"id":1298168,"date":"2025-07-26T08:50:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T03:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/?p=1298168"},"modified":"2025-07-26T08:51:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T03:21:21","slug":"russia-launching-messenger-app-that-can-spy-on-citizens-whatsapp-can-be-banned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/russia-launching-messenger-app-that-can-spy-on-citizens-whatsapp-can-be-banned\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia Launching Messenger App That Can Spy On Citizens; Whatsapp Can Be Banned"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In September, Russia is anticipated to introduce Max, a new digital gadget with an integrated messaging app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Russia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every new device sold in Russia will come with the Max app pre-installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia to Launch New Digital Device with Pre-Installed ‘Max’ Messenger App by September<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Max is intended to serve as a messaging and video calling app as well as a central repository of information with access to mobile payment methods and government services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to experts, the app might function as a “spy program,” giving Russia’s FSB security service the ability to conduct widespread surveillance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because Max’s servers are located in Russia, they are subject to Russian law, which allows the FSB to access certain user information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts say WhatsApp, which is used by more than 70% of Russians, is “highly likely” to be banned in the nation after Max was introduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Russian security expert Mark Galeotti, the Russian government will probably encourage its citizens to use Max instead of WhatsApp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Russian opposition journalist Andrey Okun, Max is essential to the Kremlin’s plan for a regulated online space known as the “digital gulag.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okun added, “This will be a sterile space in which the authorities have complete control over the leisure time, motives and thoughts of citizens.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts Say Putin-Backed ‘Max’ App Marks New Phase in Russia’s Digital Surveillance Drive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to experts, the development of the app\u2014which was purportedly ordered by Vladimir Putin\u2014is merely the most recent development in Russia’s expanding digital surveillance program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keir Giles, author of Russia’s War on Everybody, said, “This is a normalisation of Russia’s surveillance of its internet use… it’s part of a long, long process.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giles added that Western communication tools have long been seen as threats by Russian security services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giles claims that because of their encryption and security features, foreign apps like Google, Skype, and Hotmail have made it difficult for Russian intelligence services to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giles says the decision to restrict international messaging apps like WhatsApp and promote Max is “really just tidying up at this point.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In September, Russia is anticipated to introduce Max, a new digital gadget with an integrated messaging app. Every new device sold in Russia will come with the Max app pre-installed. Russia to Launch New Digital Device with Pre-Installed ‘Max’ Messenger App by September Max is intended to serve as a messaging and video calling app […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":1298178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[8351,1646],"class_list":["post-1298168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-messenger-app","tag-russia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRussia Launching Messenger App That Can Spy On Citizens; Whatsapp Can Be Banned - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/russia-launching-messenger-app-that-can-spy-on-citizens-whatsapp-can-be-banned\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Russia Launching Messenger App That Can Spy On Citizens; Whatsapp Can Be Banned - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In September, Russia is anticipated to introduce Max, a new digital gadget with an integrated messaging app. Every new device sold in Russia will come with the Max app pre-installed. 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