Meet the Superapp MAX that Russia wants everyone to download and dump WhatsApp, Telegram

Russia wants everyone in the country to download the Superapp: MAX. The state-backed messaging app -- MAX -- is said to be designed to serve as a comprehensive "Superapp." Launched as part of a broader initiative to foster domestic technology, MAX aims to consolidate everyday digital needs into a single platform, much like global counterparts such as WeChat and WhatsApp.

Russian government is said to be aggressively promoting the app across billboards, schools, and preloaded on new cellphones.More than 45 million people have created MAX accounts, equivalent to nearly a third of the Russian population, the app’s parent company said recently. On average, the company said, 18 million people have been using the MAX app daily.Launched in March, MAX can only be installed using Russian or Belarusian phone numbers, with virtual SIM cards blocked and registration from other countries not possible.

This effectively means that Russians abroad cannot communicate with family and friends unless they have a Russian or Belarusian number.In August, the Russian government said in a statement that MAX, which will be integrated with government services, would be on a list of mandatory pre-installed apps on all "gadgets," including mobile phones and tablets, sold in Russia from September 1.

MAX app part of Russia's 'Sovereign Internet'

The rollout of the new “super app” is reported to be the latest step by President Vladimir Putin to tighten control over internet in Russia.

Putin, analysts say, is pushing to move Russians to what Moscow calls a “sovereign internet,” an online world cut off from Western technology. A Russian-language TV app called LIME HD TV, which allows people to watch state TV channels for free, will be also pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1, 2026.

Russia restricting WhatsApp and Telegram

The push to promote homegrown apps comes after Russia said that it has started restricting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.WhatsApp, which in July had a reach of 97.3 million in Russia, responded by accusing Moscow of trying to block Russians from accessing secure communications, while Telegram, which had a reach of 90.8 million users, said it actively combats the harmful use of its platform. The third most popular messenger app in July, according to Mediascope data, was VK Messenger at 17.9 million people. The app is from the same state-controlled tech company VK which has developed MAX.Russian Government: MAX has less access to user data than WhatsApp and Telegram State media says accusations from Kremlin critics that MAX is a spying app are false and that it has fewer permissions to access user data than rivals WhatsApp and Telegram.