Overview

• A government order requires MAX to be on all smartphones and tablets sold in Russia starting September 1, with integration into government services planned.
• RuStore, already on Android, must also come pre-installed on Apple devices from the same date, expanding the domestic app-store footprint.
• All smart TVs sold in Russia will include the Lime HD TV app from January 1, providing free access to state television channels.
• The mandate follows partial restrictions on voice calls in WhatsApp and Telegram after authorities alleged non-cooperation in fraud and terrorism cases, a move WhatsApp says targets secure communication.
• MAX, developed by state-controlled VK, reports about 18 million registrations, state bodies are shifting official accounts to the platform, and police reported the first fraud arrest linked to the app while calling it safer than rivals.