Russia Introduces New Messaging Apps: Putin Discusses Latest Communication Platforms

Russia Introduces New Messaging Apps: Putin Discusses Latest Communication Platforms

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In the midst of government gatherings, none other than Vladimir Putin was briefed about the replacement of foreign programs within the nation's borders. Maksut Shadaev, the Minister of Digital Development, didn't just give a general update but also unveiled some thrilling news: the advanced Russian messaging app, Max, has arrived. This state-of-the-art platform supports all payment systems, and soon enough, some government services will be added.

IS RUSSIA BECOMING AN INTERNET SUPERPOWER?

Shadaev kicked things off by outlining the impressive gains Russia has already accomplished.

Our Nation's Digital Dominance - As Shadaev highlighted, Russia is among a select group of nations boasting an independent system of internet services that enjoys popularity among the masses.

The minister supplied some enlightening examples:

1. Approximately 70% of Russians utilize "Yandex" for information, with around 50 million daily users.
2. Nearly 40% of the population uses the indigenous browser.
3. More than 80% of adult Russians are registered on VK and "Odnoklassniki." Daily activity from theseplatforms totals roughly 60 million users.
4. An astonishing 40 million families engage in regular online shopping on Russian marketplaces.
5. The daily use of domestic taxis or delivery services totals 10 million people.
6. Around 80% of Russians choose domestic online cinemas for their movie needs, with an estimated 15 million daily visitors.
7. In recent years, the audience preferring domestic films and series over foreign productions has significantly increased.

Saying Goodbye - And Good Riddance

Shadaev emphasized that foreign companies never complied with Russian laws and were often hit with fines. However, following February 2022 and the beginning of the special operation, they not only blatantly disregarded the law but also neglected the people.

In their eagerness to enforce sanctions, domestic app developments vanished from mobile app stores, including apps from Russian banks. In response, VK launched the RuStore app in the summer of 2022, offering Android users a means to download blocked mobile applications. As Shadaev confirmed, this store is now installed on over 80 million devices of our fellow citizens, with at least 50 million accessing it monthly to update applications.

Shadaev also condemned YouTube for its behavior. In 2022, the online platform barred Russian bloggers from generating revenue, and starting in 2024, it began blocking channels of stars, influencers, and media outlets. bloggers and creators subsequently shifted to Russian platforms for video hosting, such as VK Video and RuTube. Of all Russian YouTube visitors, two-thirds have switched to these homegrown platforms.

• The AI issue has also been addressed - despite ChatGPT launching with restrictions for Russians, Sber and Yandex filled this niche by introducing their own language models with artificial intelligence, which are now used by 95% of Russians.

Homegrown Messaging App

There is still one problem: it's been difficult to create domestic alternatives to Telegram and WhatsApp.

• Sadly, over 90 million people in Russia utilize foreign messengers daily, acknowledged Shadaev. - The average Russian user generally spends about 50 minutes on a messenger.

This trend is not unique to Russia, but countries such as Japan, China, and Vietnam boast more popular national messengers than foreign options.

• MAX: Recently, the company VK introduced a homegrown messaging app called MAX, which functions compatibly with foreign competitors. Built on cutting-edge technology, it incorporates machine learning and offers excellent voice quality.

MAX - The App for the People

Developers will prioritize catering to the needs of the Russian user and working with the government to ensure user convenience. For instance, a simplified electronic passport is planned to be integrated into the messenger.

This innovative platform is designed to transition beyond a mere messaging app and provide state services. For example, our citizens can use the MAX messenger to present digital documents that can replace a physical passport in commonplace situations. For instance, students and schoolchildren can utilize it to enter museums for free, present it during a driver's license check, or use it when purchasing alcohol in a store.

In essence, the ministry plans to develop a dedicated national platform built on MAX for the comfort and security of the people. And the messenger is available for download now.

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1. The Russian messaging app, Max, showcasing advanced technology, supports all payment systems and will soon include government services, aiming to provide a comprehensive digital platform for the comfort and security of the people.
2. Russia's increasing dominance in the digital sphere is evident through the popularity of domestic services such as Yandex, VK, Odnoklassniki, Russian marketplaces, domestic taxis or delivery services, domestic online cinemas, and homegrown video hosting platforms like VK Video and RuTube, as demonstrated by the shift of more than two-thirds of YouTube visitors to these platforms.

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