Research reveals how Russia's 'super-app' Max lets the state spy on citizens

Forensic research shows that Max, a Russian super-app for messaging, payments and government services, functions as a "backdoor" giving authorities surveillance access to its entire mini-app ecosystem on users' devices. Tens of millions of Russians were forced to install the app over 18 months, and it became the country's most-used messaging app this summer. Developed by state-linked VKontakte, it is promoted as a patriotic alternative to Telegram and WhatsApp; Vladimir Putin reportedly holds an indirect stake. Unlike China's WeChat, which grew over decades, Max was imposed on a population that once enjoyed mostly free internet access.