reuters.com
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  • ‘National messenger’ to be pre-installed on devices

  • New app is being integrated with government services

  • Critics say it’s a spy app, state media deny that

  • WhatsApp and Telegram are under regulatory pressure

MOSCOW, Aug 21 (Reuters) - A Russian state-backed messenger application called MAX, a rival to WhatsApp that critics say could be used to track users, must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets from next month, the Russian government said on Thursday.

The decision to promote MAX comes as Moscow is seeking greater control over the internet space as it is locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, which it casts as part of an attempt to shape a new world order.

  • mgnome@piefed.socialEnglish
    14·
    27 days ago

    It will also be mandatory that from September 1, Russia’s domestic app store, RuStore, which is pre-installed on all Android devices, will be pre-installed on Apple devices.
    A Russian-language TV app called LIME HD TV, which allows people to watch state TV channels for free, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1, the government added.
    The push to promote homegrown apps comes after Russia said this month it had started restricting some calls on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.

    There have been jokes about potential establishment of Russian version of Kwangmyong years ago, maybe even decades, called “Cheburnet” (after Cheburashka - Soviet stop-motion cartoon character), and it seems like they’re actually pretty close to finally sealing off from outer world.