The Russian government is actively seeking to control messaging apps and foreign software.

This is reported by the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service.

Putin has instructed the government to develop measures by September 1, 2025, to limit the use of foreign software in Russia, including messaging apps from so-called 'unfriendly countries'.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta (an organization deemed extremist in Russia), is under particular scrutiny, making it a prime candidate for potential blocking. The situation is ambiguous with Telegram: despite its Russian origins, its so-called 'independent' stance and refusal to cooperate with authorities leaves its status uncertain.

The authorities have already created a new element of a centralized digital surveillance system – the Max messenger from VK. All officials have been ordered to switch to Max. This app has full access to the microphone, camera, contacts, geolocation, and files. It cannot be turned off by standard means, utilizes root access, and system jar files – indicators of malicious software. Data is automatically transmitted to servers associated with VK, which is under the control of Russian security services.