Starting in the fall of 2025, the MАХ messenger will be pre-installed on all new smartphones in Russia.
- The app combines messaging, calls, and file transfers of up to 4 GB. Additionally, the messenger is integrated with government services such as “Gosuslugi.” MАХ also allows the use of financial tools through the Fast Payment System.
- It was clarified that starting September 1, the app will not only be mandatory on all new devices but will also become a channel for receiving documents requiring digital signatures. These requirements are enshrined in federal legislation.
- The messenger’s interface resembles Telegram and other popular services. MАХ supports the domestic AI bot GigaChat and includes mini-apps for businesses. Integration with government platforms, according to reports, will simplify everyday tasks. Through MАХ, users will be able to pay fines, order taxis, and participate in school chats.
- However, the main point of criticism remains privacy concerns. The app collects user data, including IP addresses, geolocation, and activity. Moreover, the privacy policy allows sharing this data with government agencies. Unlike WhatsApp or Signal, MАХ does not currently use end-to-end encryption. Instead, it relies on channel protection, meaning data may be stored on servers and remain vulnerable. The future of MАХ reportedly depends on addressing security issues and maintaining market competitiveness.
The MАХ messenger was introduced in March 2025 as a beta version of a digital platform by VK. It enables messaging, calls, and the transfer of voice recordings and files. The app is available on App Store, Google Play, and RuStore. Later, it was announced that the project’s development was assigned to a VK subsidiary—”Communication Platform.” As of early July, the number of registered MАХ users exceeded 2 million.
