The Russian messaging platform MAX has reportedly surpassed 50 million registered users, according to a statement from the digital platform”s press service, as reported by EFE. Developed by VK, often referred to as “Russia”s Facebook,” MAX aims to serve as a national alternative to Western messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram. However, it has come under scrutiny for its potential role as a state surveillance tool.
“MAX has attracted 50 million users. In October, the service reached an average daily user base of 19 million. The highest record was achieved on October 22, with over 22.5 million daily users,” the company stated in its announcement.
Since its launch, users have exchanged approximately 3.7 billion messages, conducted around 842 million calls, recorded more than 25 million video messages, and created over 13,000 channels. Russian President Vladimir Putin mandated the development of a national application intended to unify communication services and public administration, which may include features for functioning as a digital identity document.
This initiative was assigned to VK as part of the Kremlin”s strategy to diminish technological dependence on the West. Russian authorities have promoted MAX as a more secure alternative to Telegram and WhatsApp, platforms often exploited by scammers. This narrative has been used to restrict calls on those applications, encouraging users to migrate to the state-backed platform.
Despite these claims, experts in technology and digital rights caution that the Kremlin”s true objective may be to enhance control over communications and expand internet censorship. This aligns with Putin”s recent calls to “strangle” large Western tech companies. MAX thus joins a series of domestically developed alternatives launched by Russia in recent years, including Rutube, a national version of YouTube, which has faced significant criticism and is considered a failure.
