Overview

• Starting September 1, all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia must ship with the government-backed Max messenger preinstalled under an official decree.
• From September, iPhones and devices running Xiaomi’s HyperOS must include the RuStore app store, with Android and HarmonyOS devices in Russia already bundling it, according to the government.
• A separate order requires the LIME HD TV application to be preinstalled on all smart TVs sold in Russia beginning January 1 to provide access to state channels.
• Roskomnadzor says it has begun partially blocking calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing efforts to combat fraud, extortion and terrorism.
• VK’s Max, promoted as a multifunctional super-app, reports roughly 18 million downloads as officials shift communications to the platform, while WhatsApp and Telegram still have about 97 million and 91 million users in Russia.