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Tens of millions of Russians forced to install Max app
The gist
Research says Russia's Max super-app can silently monitor activity inside its mini-apps.
Tens of millions are pushed onto one platform carrying payments and state services.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2025Russia required manufacturers and retailers to pre-install Max on smartphones and tablets sold in the country.
- Mar 2026Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov stated that all Russian schools — over 20 million pupils and teachers — had switched to the platform.
- Sep 18, 2026Research published in September, "Don't Trust the Super-App: A Case Study of Russia's Max", found the app has the technical capability to covertly monitor users' activities within its mini-apps.