World · 24 March 2026
Why is Russia pushing a messaging app that isn’t fully private?
Russia is encouraging citizens to adopt a new state-supported messaging platform called Max as part of efforts to reduce reliance on foreign services. The app reportedly lacks end-to-end encryption, prompting concerns over data privacy and monitoring. At the same time, authorities have increased pressure on widely used platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, signalling a broader push to bring online communication under greater domestic oversight.
Reported by The Japan Times · How we write briefs