Putin Has a New Tool to Monitor Russians
8 hours ago
- #Digital Surveillance
- #Privacy Concerns
- #Russian Technology
- Russia introduces 'Max', a 'super app' by VK, mandatory on new phones from September 1, aiming for wide-ranging uses from messaging to identity verification.
- The Kremlin's goals include creating a sovereign digital sphere and enhancing surveillance, mirroring China's WeChat model.
- Putin views uncontrolled internet as a threat, leading to years of digital repression, censorship, and promotion of Russian-made tech over foreign alternatives.
- Efforts to replace Western tech with Russian versions have seen mixed success, with challenges in hardware and software quality.
- Max's potential success is bolstered by state enforcement, including restricting competing apps and pressuring phone companies.
- The app raises significant privacy concerns, with fears over state access to personal data for surveillance and repression.
- The app's rollout extends to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, furthering digital control and surveillance in these areas.
- Risks for the Kremlin include technical failures of Max affecting public opinion and creating a single point of failure in Russia's tech ecosystem.