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Everything You Need to Know About Max, Russia’s State-Backed Answer to WhatsApp

The government is pulling out all the stops to make Max Russia's "super-app." But its technical flaws and privacy risks are hard to ignore.

opinion Anton Starikov

Russia's State-Backed Messaging App Is a Blatant Attempt at Control

Officially, the Kremlin says they are protecting people from scams. But they are really cutting off easy online communication for dissenting voices.

Kremlin-Backed Messaging App Max to Come Pre-Installed on Devices Starting Next Month

The move comes as authorities test restrictions on foreign messaging services, with Russians reporting disruptions on WhatsApp and Telegram calls since...

Kremlin Orders Officials to Move Telegram Channels to Domestic Messaging App Max – Vyorstka

The move is aimed at creating a “priority information system” on Max before the platform opens to the public.

Former VK Chief Takes Over Russian Gaming Studio Behind World of Tanks

Lesta Games took over Wargaming's Russian and Belarusian assets after it left the countries following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

North Korea Seeks AI Collaboration With Russia – Reports

International sanctions remain a major barrier to technological exchange with North Korea.

Fund Linked to Putin’s Daughter Invests in Tech Firm as Kremlin Targets Foreign Platforms

Katerina Tikhonova's fund invested in a company whose communications software is touted as a Russian substitute for Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

Russian Tech Executive Arrested in Absentia on Bribery Charges

Sergei Matsotsky is a co-founder of Russian IT giant IBS and a leading figure in the country’s tech sector.

Russian Developers Urge Ban on Microsoft Windows for School Exams

The developers argue that this approach violates a presidential decree that prohibits the use of foreign software by government institutions and their...

opinion Sarkis Darbinyan

Western Tech Companies Are Capitulating to Russian Censors. Here's How Russians Can Fight Back.

Both Google and Apple have been making VPNs inaccessible at Moscow's request. Thankfully, there are still ways Russians can use the internet freely.

Yandex Co-Founder Volozh's Dutch Tech Firm Unveils Second Supercomputer

Nebius called ISEG2 “the most powerful commercially available system in Europe.”

opinion Jason Corcoran

How Putin Turned Against Tech and 'Strangled' Russia's Silicon Dreams

Putin's obsession with control is killing Russia's chances for innovation as tech talent flees abroad and homegrown alternatives fail.

Samsung Halts Use of Russian Metals for Tech Displays – Kommersant

The move by the South Korean brand reflects growing global caution about the risk of secondary sanctions.

Putin Says Russia Should ‘Strangle’ Foreign Tech Companies

“I say this without hesitation,” the president told a group of business leaders. “We must respond in kind, mirror their actions.”

Russian Court Fines Apple for Violating 'LGBT Propaganda' Law

Russia in 2023 widened restrictions on the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations" amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

This Belarusian Firm Supplies Western Tech Giants Like Apple – And Russia's Defense Industry

Izovac and its affiliates have supplied some $200 million in equipment to Russian defense contractors since the invasion of Ukraine, according to an investigation...

Russia's IT Sector Fears Re-Entry of Western Competitors

Russian IT companies are concerned that increased foreign competition might make their already precarious situation yet more difficult.

Russia’s Only TV Manufacturer Discontinues Production

Sources close to the company said the decision to end production was due to sluggish demand and burdensome government paperwork.

Putin Bans Government, Bank Employees From Using Foreign Messaging Apps

Employees of government agencies, credit institutions and telecom operators will be barred from communicating via foreign messaging apps in an official...

Russia’s VK to Launch Copycat of China’s WeChat – Vedomosti

Dubbed “Max,” the beta version will reportedly feature a standalone messenger, a payment system, mini-apps and a chatbot constructor for business owners...

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