this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2025
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Archived version

At first glance, Max looks harmless enough. An online app, its anodyne blue and white logo gives no indication of its origins, or its sinister purpose.

Yet this seemingly innocuous messaging service is set to become an important tool in President Putin’s attempt to impose total control over the online lives of ordinary Russians.

The app, which was test-launched in March, was developed on Putin’s orders and provides online messaging, video calls, mobile payments, social networking and access to government services. It was developed by the Kremlin-controlled company VK. Under a new law, it will be installed on every digital device that is sold in Russia from September 1.

Critics have described it as a “spy program” that installs snooping software on a user’s smartphone that remains in place even after the app is removed. It is being seen as Russia’s equivalent to China’s WeChat app, which Beijing uses for online surveillance and censorship.

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[–] Localhorst86@feddit.org 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

then why bring up the US, if you have no expectation of better behaviour?

[–] Anonymaus@feddit.org 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Because eu sold its digital identity to usa not china nor russia

[–] Scotty@scribe.disroot.org 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

This is about the Russian government's surveillance of its citizens. It has nothing to do with EU nor the US.

[–] Anonymaus@feddit.org 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

This comment thread is about usa and eu

[–] Scotty@scribe.disroot.org 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Then it's clearly off-topic, no? Just read the post.

[–] Anonymaus@feddit.org -2 points 3 days ago

I mean if theres a problem why not talk about it, why should we be quiet, just because its "off-topic."