Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised a new law to create a state-backed messaging application, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on foreign-owned platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
What is happening
The move is part of Russia's long-standing push for "digital sovereignty" and comes after Western tech companies exited the Russian market following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to reports, the initial development phase of the app, reportedly named Max and developed by Russian tech giant VK, has involved an investment of around 1 billion rubles, which is approximately RM59 million.
This investment comes despite VK reporting a net loss in 2024. Russian lawmakers claim the new app will include features not available on rival platforms and will be integrated with government services.
Critics, however, have raised concerns that state control over the application poses a risk to privacy and personal freedoms.
This isn't a new development, as Russia has been working towards technological independence for some time. The initiative gained urgency after Moscow banned Facebook and Instagram in 2022 and later blocked Signal and Viber.
Discussions are now underway about potentially banning WhatsApp as well. In a commentary, Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, a Russian digital rights group, stated that he expects Russia to slow down the internet speeds of competing messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
This is to encourage users to switch to the new state-backed service. This strategy would be a significant move to control the digital landscape in Russia.
It's an interesting approach to see here in Malaysia, as our telecommunications market is dominated by a few key players, and such a move would be seen as a huge change.
The new messaging app, said to be a "super-app" inspired by China's WeChat, is designed to combine messaging and payment systems with mini-applications and a chatbot constructor for businesses.
The app is expected to be pre-installed on all new smartphones sold in Russia and will be made mandatory for use in public institutions, including schools and government offices.
It will allow users to place digital signatures and interact with officials.
Max Specifications:
- File sharing up to 4GB
- Optimised call quality on weak connections
- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS for users with Russian and Belarusian phone numbers
In a similar vein to how we see companies like Grab or Touch 'n Go eWallet integrate multiple functions into one platform, this app aims to be a comprehensive digital hub.
As of now, there are no details on future international release dates or any specific pricing for its use beyond the initial investment.
What do you think of this move by the Russian government, and could a similar state-controlled messaging app ever work in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned to TechNave.
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