Russia's new Max super-app raises privacy and surveillance concerns
Russia rolled out Max, a homegrown super-app meant to replace popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Max bundles messaging, ride-hailing, and even digital IDs into one platform.
But instead of excitement, many users are worried about privacy, especially since the app is being pushed as mandatory in places like universities.
Max preinstalled on new Russian phones
Max comes pre-installed on new Russian phones as part of the government's plan to ditch foreign apps.
While VK says 100 million people have signed up, critics point out the app lacks encryption and could make surveillance easier.
Students at Tyumen University have already collected thousands of signatures protesting its use for campus Wi-Fi.
Despite these efforts, lots of Russians still use VPNs to access banned services, showing trust in Max is definitely not universal.