Russia's 'Max' app accused of serving Kremlin surveillance and compulsory use
Researchers say the Russian multi-function app Max can record screens and read chats, and authorities have forced teachers, students and civil servants to install it.
An analysis by University of Michigan researchers uncovered that the Russian super-app Max can silently record a user’s screen, access chat logs and extract information from integrated services such as payment tools. The software also allows code injection, raising concerns about potential cyber-attacks, though it cannot directly break end-to-end encrypted apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. Russian authorities have compelled public employees, teachers and students to adopt Max, even tying university building and dormitory access to codes generated by the app.
While the platform is run by VKontakte, a firm with close Kremlin links, officials and diplomats are said to use secondary devices for the mandatory app and keep their primary communications on other services. Despite state promotion, public trust remains low and traditional news sources have not been displaced. The report highlights the app as a sophisticated tool for state surveillance in an authoritarian context.
Why it matters
The app's mandatory use and extensive data access raise privacy and surveillance concerns for millions of Russian citizens.
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