In Russia, the Max Messenger Is Set to Partially Replace Passports
New legislation will allow age verification for restricted purchases without paper documents.
Russia’s State Duma has approved, in its third and final reading, a law allowing the country’s national messenger Max to be used alongside a passport when purchasing age-restricted goods.
The new rule will apply to the sale of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine-containing products, vapes, energy drinks, and gas-based household goods. It will also cover participation in lotteries and attendance at events where age verification is required.
Without a Passport
The amendments were introduced during the second and third readings of a broader bill that also establishes a mechanism for out-of-court blocking of websites advertising online tobacco sales. Using Max, buyers will be able to confirm they are of legal age without presenting a passport, relying instead on digital data stored in the app. This is expected to make the process faster and more convenient, especially in e-commerce and retail settings.
Sergei Boyarsky, head of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, said the change would simplify identification procedures and prove popular:
The reform is expected to reduce administrative burdens on sellers and speed up customer service.
To the Stadium With a Smartphone
Lawmaker Alexei Govyrin clarified that messenger-based verification will apply not only to alcohol and tobacco purchases, but also to lottery participation and access to events requiring age checks. He said the measures are designed to strengthen oversight and protect citizens’ rights, particularly those of minors.
What Is Max
Max is a Russian multifunctional mobile app developed by VK. It is already being integrated with government services, digital identity systems, and electronic signatures. Its functionality continues to expand beyond messaging to include interactions with public services and identity verification.
The changes will take effect after the law is officially published. The initiative forms part of a broader digital transformation aimed at simplifying everyday procedures for citizens and developing domestic digital infrastructure.
