Russia: Mandatory Pre-installation of State Messaging App

The Russian government has announced that a state-backed messaging app, MAX, will be mandatory pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia from September 1st. This move follows restrictions on some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accused of not sharing information with law enforcement.

MAX, which will be linked to government services, aims to compete with WhatsApp. Concurrently, the Russian app store RuStore will be mandatory pre-installed on all Apple devices from September 1st. Additionally, a Russian-language TV app, LIME HD TV, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1st of next year, providing free access to Russian state television channels.