Every month, Boris Nadezhdin embarks on a journey across multiple Russian regions, equipped with two smartphones. One phone is dedicated to official use, hosting the recently introduced Max app, hailed by Russia as an essential communication tool. On his second phone, Nadezhdin employs personal communication apps and a virtual private network (VPN) to navigate around Russia’s tightening internet restrictions.
“I, along with many friends, have had to make this decision,” Nadezhdin shared in an interview with CBC News from Dolgoprudny, located near Moscow. “Regrettably, we are facing significant challenges with internet and mobile communications.”
The introduction of Max, developed by Russian media company VK, marks the Kremlin’s latest move to exert control over the digital sphere by curbing foreign platforms through censorship or deliberate slowdowns to render them virtually inaccessible.
Emergence of a ‘Super App’
Initially launched as a beta version in spring, Max now comes pre-installed on all new devices in Russia and is extensively promoted. Various public figures, including musicians, athletes, and influencers, have been enlisted to endorse the platform, enabling users to engage in conversations with friends or access governmental services.
Max has drawn parallels to China’s WeChat, the dominant social networking app in China, which has faced criticism for alleged state-backed censorship.
In 2019, Russia enacted a series of legislative amendments known as the sovereign internet law, granting authorities the ability to regulate the country’s online space and establish an isolated digital environment that could potentially disconnect Russia from the global web.
Max, now pre-installed on all new phones sold in Russia, is being heavily endorsed by various public figures. Moscow is encouraging older phone users to adopt Max while imposing obstacles on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Subsequently, Moscow has developed its version of the internet, often referred to as RUnet. This move has led to stricter cyber regulations, restricted access to popular platforms such as YouTube, and hindered VPN usage, impeding users from bypassing the government’s digital barriers.
In numerous areas, residents frequently encounter internet disruptions via mobile networks, preventing online access. These measures are justified by the government citing national security concerns, often attributing them