New Russian messenger becomes an instrument of control over Crimeans

Since the end of 2025, the Russian messenger MAX has been aggressively introduced in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and Crimea. The new platform from VK is positioned as a 'national super-app' that combines chats, government services, digital IDs, and payments. However, experts call it a tool of total control and surveillance.

This was reported by Krym.Realii, citing the Association of Reintegration of Crimea.

The introduction of MAX is accompanied by artificial restrictions on the popular messengers Telegram and WhatsApp. Roskomnadzor explains the interruptions in communication as protection against fraudsters, while forcing people to switch to a "safe alternative. Starting September 1, 2025, the Russian government obliged tech manufacturers to install MAX on all smartphones and tablets before selling them. Similar requirements apply to the RuStore app store, which has become mandatory even for Apple devices.

According to investigations, MAX has signs of malware. The app requires access to geolocation, contacts, files, microphone, camera, and biometrics. According to analyst Andriy Chvalyuk, the program uses root access and system files, which makes it almost impossible to remove it using standard tools. All user data is automatically transferred to VK servers, which are under the full control of Russian special services.

The integration of the messenger with state ecosystems is particularly dangerous. Through MAX, the occupiers can send out official notices, including summonses to court or the army. Access to precise geolocation and IP addresses allows security forces to track the movement of people in the occupied territories, turning any digital activity into grounds for persecution.

The process of switching to MAX is compulsory for state employees. In November 2025, educational institutions in Crimea received strict instructions: to create official channels and chats of academic groups exclusively in the new messenger within a few days. School parent chats are also being transferred to MAX, and civil servants are ordered to completely abandon third-party services.

Experts do not rule out that in the future, access to basic digital services such as Gokluch will be possible only through this aggressor-controlled application.

Катерина Глушко