MAX Will Always Stay Connected
Russia’s national messenger MAX has been included in the list of services that will remain operational even during mobile internet shutdowns.
A Priority Service
From its launch, the Russian messenger MAX was positioned as a priority platform, with close government support. The latest confirmation of its high status came when the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media announced that MAX is now among the services guaranteed to remain available even if mobile internet is disabled.
“Essential internet services remain accessible during restrictions. Telecom operators, in pilot mode, ensure availability even when mobile internet is limited,” the ministry said in a statement.
The decision reflects several factors. MAX has quickly gained over 30 million users in just a few months. The platform is not only used for personal communication but also for workplace chats and organizational tasks. Importantly, government authorities are now adopting MAX for official communication. Uninterrupted access ensures a reliable channel between officials and citizens.
Security and Convenience
The relevance of resilient connectivity has grown since June 2025, when mobile internet restrictions were introduced in some regions due to enemy drone attacks. To maintain daily routines without disruption, authorities designated a list of priority online services that must remain operational under any circumstances.
The list was based on the most-visited platforms nationwide. It includes social networks, e-commerce sites, navigation apps, ride-hailing and delivery services, major supermarkets, and mobile operator portals.
Even during restrictions, citizens can access key public platforms such as Gosuslugi (Russia’s government services portal), the remote voting platform, and the official websites of the President and Government of the Russian Federation.
A Platform for Ecosystem Projects
MAX is becoming a core element of Russia’s digital infrastructure. Over time, it is expected to evolve from a messenger into a universal tool for solving critical tasks. The platform already supports ecosystem projects, hosting AI assistant GigaChat and tools for creating chatbots. It also enables financial transactions via the MIR payment system.
Russia’s digital infrastructure began accelerating in 2021–2022 amid rising cyberthreats, which highlighted the need for sovereign platforms. In 2024, resilience under high network loads became a priority, driving wider adoption of cloud technologies. Load distribution systems now balance traffic across servers and data centers, ensuring stability even during peak demand.
Guaranteeing service continuity during mobile internet restrictions is seen as a logical next step in this broader strategy.
New Opportunities
Being listed as a priority national service will boost MAX’s functional development. Future integration could include public alert systems and emergency communications. It may also see expanded use in regions with unstable connectivity, since one of its core features is operation under limited bandwidth conditions.
At present, MAX is clearly developing for the domestic market. However, its design could also interest other countries seeking to enhance national security through sovereign communication platforms.
