In Russia, the regime is actively promoting its 'national messenger,' Max, while simultaneously blocking competitors such as Telegram. The Kremlin's strategy includes a blend of propaganda and access restrictions, aiming to drive users away from Telegram, which they still use themselves, while pushing for a mass transition to Max. This service, originating from the Kremlin-controlled social network VK, is designed to enable better surveillance of its users' communication.

Despite aggressive promotional strategies for Max, including intensive marketing pushes and technical disruptions to popular messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, the Kremlin has struggled to convince the majority of Russian users to make the switch. As of December, leading report figures from Mediascope indicated that Telegram and WhatsApp collectively boasted nearly 188 million users in Russia, highlighting the challenge the regime faces in gaining traction for its new platform. Moreover, the recent blocking of call functionalities for these apps by Roskomnadsor further shows the lengths the authorities will go to in enforcing this transition.

The push towards a state-controlled messenger raises significant concerns over privacy and freedom of communication in Russia. The Kremlin's actions indicate a broader trend of increasing control over digital communications and the potential implications for personal privacy as the government seeks to monitor and manage the flow of information within its borders. This initiative reflects an ongoing struggle between state power and individual freedoms in the digital age, a struggle that is creating tension even within the regime itself as users continue to favor established, more independent platforms like Telegram.