Russians have gained proficiency in making calls using the MAX messenger app.
In a move aimed at combating cybercrime, Roskomnadzor, Russia's state communications watchdog, has partially restricted voice and video calls on popular messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp. The decision comes in response to concerns about scams, extortion, and recruitment for sabotage and terrorism that exploit these platforms' voice call features.
Roskomnadzor argues that these foreign messengers are widely used by criminals and have failed to implement adequate safeguards or cooperate with Russian law enforcement. The agency cites operational data and law enforcement reports indicating that these platforms have become the main channels for fraudulent calls and criminal activities, prompting selective restrictions on voice call functions while preserving text messaging and other features.
To counter these issues, Russia has recommended the domestic messenger MAX (developed by VK, formerly VKontakte) as an alternative. This app, promoted as compliant with Russian regulations and subject to government supervision, is expected to be more controllable and presumably safer from the state's perspective. However, MAX has faced criticism for collecting user data, including IP addresses and activity logs, with rights reserved to share data with government agencies—a transparency and privacy concern contrasted with the end-to-end encryption of Telegram and WhatsApp.
To make a call on MAX via smartphone, users can access the "Calls" section, select a contact, and choose audio or video. Alternatively, they can go to contacts and select the desired user. In the top panel of a chat, users can find and tap the phone or camera icons to make a call. Calls on MAX are available only to contacts from the phone book who have MAX installed.
MAX offers a range of features including personal and group chats, photo and video sharing, voice messages, and document sending up to 4GB. The app also includes chat bots and utilizes the Sber's neural network GigaChat. Users need to allow access to the microphone and camera for a successful connection on MAX.
In addition to smartphones, MAX is available for download on App Store, Google Play, and the official website for computers. Users can launch the Windows/macOS app or its web version to access MAX. The app's developers plan to integrate MAX with the "Gosuslugi" portal for paying fines, making doctor's appointments, and signing documents.
However, it's important to note that MAX belongs to Meta, which has been recognized as extremist and banned in Russia. Artificial intelligence in MAX removes background noise, suppresses distortions, and restores missed words during brief connection drops of up to one second, thanks to NoLACE technology.
As the situation evolves, it will be interesting to see how users and the broader community adapt to these changes and the role that MAX will play in the Russian digital landscape.
[1] Roskomnadzor. (2022). Partial blocking of voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. Retrieved from https://rkn.gov.ru/news/2022/03/01/zapret-na-zovy-v-telegram-i-v-vatsap
[2] Interfax. (2022). Russia blocks voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. Retrieved from https://www.interfax.ru/russia/808195
[3] The Verge. (2022). Russia is blocking Telegram and WhatsApp voice calls. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/1/22948085/russia-blocking-telegram-whatsapp-voice-calls-roscomnadzor-cybercrime
[4] Reuters. (2022). Russia blocks Telegram and WhatsApp voice calls to combat cybercrime. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-blocks-telegram-whatsapp-voice-calls-combat-cybercrime-2022-03-01/
[5] BBC News. (2022). Russia blocks Telegram and WhatsApp voice calls. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60508173
- Roskomnadzor suggests domestic messenger MAX, developed by VK, as a safer alternative to foreign messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp, which have been restricted due to their use in cybercrime and lack of cooperation with Russian law enforcement.
- To make voice calls on MAX, users can access the "Calls" section, select a contact, and choose audio or video, or alternatively, they can go to contacts and select the desired user, using smartphones or the app's desktop or web versions.
