From September 1, 2025, all new smartphones, tablets, and other devices sold in Russia must be shipped with a pre-installed Russian messenger. The corresponding law was unanimously adopted by the State Duma on June 10.
The service being developed is positioned as a safe alternative to foreign counterparts. The Max messenger from the VK holding is being considered as a possible candidate, which may be improved to perform new functions.
Key features of the future service:
- Integration with "Gosuslugi" and the "Sferum" educational environment
- Digital identification of users
- Use of electronic signatures
- Protection against fraudulent schemes
- Ability to use data from the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation
A digital identifier can replace a passport both when receiving services on the Internet and in real life. For example, when it is necessary to confirm age, the right to benefits, or the fact of studying at a school or college. A digital identifier can be used when registering at hotels and other organizations, as well as in cases determined by the government.
According to Maksut Shadaev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, the department is not developing the platform and no money has been allocated from the budget for it. But there is a willingness to support the developer with preferential loans.
Meanwhile, VK is preparing a large-scale presentation of the updated Max functionality, scheduled for the summer of 2025. The State Duma considers it important to support the promotion of the messenger:
Given the social nature of the project, it is necessary to organize wide information about this platform. The function of prohibiting calls from unauthorized users will be especially relevant for the older generation. This is literally ironclad protection against fraudsters.
The head of the Ministry of Digital Development also emphasized that the uniqueness of the service, advanced features coupled with security should become a competitive advantage over other messengers.
Read more on the topic:
VK's Max messenger may become a national messenger
