Russian officials will be required to use Max Messenger when performing their official duties, as well as to “inform citizens.” The corresponding amendments are included in the new version of the second package of anti-fraud measures, which Forbes reviewed.
According to the document, officials will be able to use other messengers for business purposes only “to inform citizens about the work of government agencies” or to submit requests through government information systems.
A source close to the Ministry of Digital Development told Forbes that, in his opinion, officials will simply not adhere to the requirement to use Max messenger exclusively. Moreover, he noted that there is no responsibility for this “at least for now.”
Read what you want, not the authorities. For this download Jellyfish application. Bypasses blocking and works without VPN. It’s free and secure.
The second package of measures to combat Internet and telephone fraud was adopted by the State Duma on first reading on February 10. In particular, the package includes a clause on the use of Max messenger to restore access to your account in state services.
Sources told Fridili that officials, deputies and senior managers of state-owned companies in Russia do not trust the national messaging program Max, and some of them are buying new SIM cards and smartphones to use it.
Max was appointed as the National Messenger of Russia. A large-scale campaign has been launched aimed at moving Russian users to Max from foreign services including Telegram and WhatsApp. In particular, home and school chats throughout Russia are transferred to Max.