The Kremlin continues to promote the MAX messenger — an antitrust case has been opened against Apple

The Russian authorities continue their campaign to impose the MAX messenger on Russians. In this way, the Kremlin seeks to ensure the mass distribution of state-controlled digital platforms. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Ukrinform.

Details

According to the CCD, the Russian authorities have initiated an antitrust case against Apple over the company’s refusal to preinstall the state-controlled MAX and the Russian app store. In this way, the Kremlin seeks to ensure their mass distribution among users.

The promotion of its own platforms is part of the Kremlin’s policy of creating a state-controlled digital environment in which international services are gradually restricted and blocked, while their place is taken by digital platforms controlled by the Kremlin

According to the CCD, the Kremlin is working to strengthen control over internet infrastructure, block messengers, and create an IMEI database of mobile devices, while promoting the MAX messenger is another element of this policy.

Taken together, such decisions indicate Russia’s consistent course toward the formation of the so-called digital curtain. The goal of the Russian Federation is to create an isolated digital space in which key services and internet infrastructure are under the state’s full control and are used for total surveillance of the population and the dissemination of propaganda

Reminder

The Kremlin continues to isolate the internet in the Russian Federation. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development recommends installing government certificates to access Russian websites through foreign browsers. This will allow the authorities to control the verification of online resources and strengthen propaganda.