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Published Date : 9/25/2025
The Russian state-backed super app, Max, has introduced a test version of its digital identity feature, allowing users to verify their age and identity using biometric data and digital documents. This move is part of Russia's efforts to tighten control over its online sphere and promote a homegrown alternative to foreign messaging apps.
The Russian state-backed super app, Max, has introduced a test version of its digital identity feature, allowing users to verify their age and identity using biometric data and digital documents. This move is part of Russia's efforts to tighten control over its online sphere and promote a homegrown alternative to foreign messaging apps.
Russian state-backed ‘super app’ Max has launched a test version of its digital identity feature, designed to allow users to prove their age and identity and use digital documents the same way as physical ones.
The messenger app, created by Russian tech firm VKontakte, is designed to emulate China’s WeChat, combining digital IDs with messaging, money transfers, government and private services, e-signatures, and social media functions.
The pilot phase of the digital ID was introduced by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media last week, according to a report by the newspaper Izvestia. Users over the age of 18 can create a digital ID by connecting to the country’s government services platform Gosuslugi and verifying their identity using biometric data from the government’s Unified Biometric System (UBS). Those who do not have biometric data registered in the UBS can opt to use their passport to create the ID. Users are then asked to take a selfie to verify their identity.
Once the ID is stored on their phones, users will be able to display it by using a dynamic QR code. For now, users can show the app to verify their age at Magnit retail stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar.
Once the pilot phase is completed, the Max app plans to turn the ID into a more useful tool. Over the past months, the platform has integrated with the Goskey application (GosKlyuch) for signing electronic documents, the Sferum educational platform, and the Telega.in advertising marketplace.
Government agencies will receive verified accounts within the platform, while businesses will be able to serve users with mini-applications and chatbots. Max users will be able to pay fines and taxes, make doctor appointments, order taxis, and delivery. The company has also opened the app’s channels to creators with 10,000 or more subscribers, making a significant push towards content creation.
The platform is heavily promoted by Moscow, which has mandated that all new smartphones sold in Russia come with Max pre-installed starting from September 1st. However, the government’s involvement is also fueling suspicions of surveillance. According to its policies, the app may share user information with government agencies. VKontakte has an extensive history of collaboration with the Russian authorities.
The introduction of the app comes as Russia attempts to introduce more control over information in its online sphere. In August, the country effectively blocked Max’s main competition, WhatsApp and Telegram, claiming that the foreign-owned messaging apps are being used for fraud and terrorism. WhatsApp’s owner, Meta, was labeled an extremist organization by Moscow in 2022.
Despite this, WhatsApp and Telegram remained leaders in August, reaching 82.1 million and 68 million daily users, respectively. The Max app, on the other hand, saw 7 million daily visits during the month, according to data from research company Mediascope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Q: What is the Max app?
A: The Max app is a state-backed super app created by Russian tech firm VKontakte. It is designed to emulate China’s WeChat, combining digital IDs with messaging, money transfers, government and private services, e-signatures, and social media functions.
Q: How can users create a digital ID on Max?
A: Users over the age of 18 can create a digital ID by connecting to the country’s government services platform Gosuslugi and verifying their identity using biometric data from the government’s Unified Biometric System (UBS) or their passport. They are then asked to take a selfie to verify their identity.
Q: What can users do with a digital ID on Max?
A: Users can display their digital ID using a dynamic QR code to verify their age at retail stores. In the future, they will be able to use it for paying fines and taxes, making doctor appointments, ordering taxis, and more.
Q: Why is the Max app heavily promoted by the Russian government?
A: The Russian government is promoting the Max app to tighten control over its online sphere and promote a homegrown alternative to foreign messaging apps. All new smartphones sold in Russia must come with Max pre-installed starting from September 1st.
Q: What are the concerns about the Max app?
A: The government’s involvement in the Max app is fueling suspicions of surveillance. According to its policies, the app may share user information with government agencies. VKontakte has a history of collaboration with the Russian authorities.
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