Russia's latest attempt to build a sovereign digital ecosystem is moving into high gear. Max, a state-backed messenger developed by VK, is being positioned as a patriotic alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram — platforms that in recent weeks have suffered complete or partial disruptions to voice and video calls across the country. Officials say Max will soon become Russia's "super-app": a single platform for messaging, payments and government services. Launched in March, the app already claims more than 18 million registered accounts compared to just 1 million in June. We delved into the app's functionality, its vulnerabilities and the government's turbo-charged effort to make Max into what it claims it to be: Connectivity where others fail Starting Sept. 1, Max must come pre-installed on all smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs sold in Russia. The Kremlin's timing could hardly be more deliberate. Since mid-August, users of WhatsApp and Telegram have been unable to make voice calls, with connections either failing immediately or dropping within seconds.
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