Russia has found the alternative to WhatsApp: the Kremlin wants to install a spy in every new phone. “Everything you do there will be available for FSB”

The Max messaging application is another weapon in Putin's control campaign, writes the Political Publication.

Moscow urges its citizens to use a messaging application that provides the Government access to the users' data, at the same time insulating them from the rest of the Internet, the source transmits.

The application, called Max, has been compared to Wechat in China for the lack of end-to-end encryption and for the privacy policy that allows the authorities to access personal information, such as the history of conversations, contacts, photos and location data.

“The manufacturers of the application say, practically, that they will teach everything,” says Mihail Klimarev, the head of the Russian society for the protection of the Internet, exile.

Mandatory phone number from Russia or Belarus

In order to be able to use the Max messenger application (not to be confused with the Max, HBO Max, n.red.) Film site, the user must provide a Russian or Belarus phone number, which requires an identity card issued by the Government, which means that any data collection can be followed to a natural person.

“Everything you do there will be available for FSB,” Klimarev added, referring to Russia's Federal Security Service.

Earlier this month, Max announced that its users base increased from 1 million people in early June to 30 million in September.

WhatsApp remains by far the most popular messaging application in Russia, with about 96 million users, followed by Telegram, with about 90 million users.