Security and Trust: MAX Launches “Family Protection” Feature
VK’s national messenger MAX has introduced a new feature called Family Protection, a set of enhanced privacy and security controls designed to protect close relatives – including children and older adults – from fraud, spam, and unwanted content.
How MAX Aims to Protect Vulnerable Users
The Family Protection feature is activated through the Privacy section of the app. To enable it, a user must generate and enter a six-digit code that is valid for 10 minutes and can be used only once. Once activated, the person managing protection gains the ability to control who can message or call the protected user, restrict their ability to join chats, and regulate the type of content they can receive. Account security can be further strengthened through SMS-based two-factor authentication.
The rollout marks an important step for MAX, whose user base now numbers in the tens of millions. The stated goal of the feature is to significantly improve digital safety for the most vulnerable population groups, particularly children and older adults. It also signals progress in the development of domestic digital services focused on data protection and fraud prevention – an area of heightened relevance following previously reported cases of large-scale scams and spam-related fraud on messaging platforms.
For citizens, the feature offers a practical way to reduce the risks of social engineering and financial fraud affecting children and elderly family members. At a national level, it contributes to strengthening trust in Russian digital platforms compared with foreign alternatives and helps build competencies in family-oriented digital security. This is a critical element in developing a resilient national digital ecosystem.
How the Feature Could Strengthen Moderation Practices
Family Protection also has broader implications for the domestic digital market. The feature has the potential to become a new security benchmark for Russian mass-market services. Other domestic messengers and social networks may follow MAX’s lead, and combined with improved moderation tools and spam blocking, this could reinforce the local IT consumer market.
The initiative also reflects a global trend toward stronger family-focused digital protection. Similar features have been introduced by international services such as Truecaller, creating opportunities for Russia to further develop its own solutions and potentially export them to countries with emerging IT markets.
At the same time, the rollout carries certain risks. The technical implementation must be robust to ensure data confidentiality and avoid introducing new vulnerabilities. For widespread adoption – especially among users with low digital literacy – transparency of settings and an intuitive user experience will be decisive factors.
Why Technical Controls Must Be Paired With Education
Comparable initiatives are emerging worldwide. One example is Truecaller’s Family Protection feature, which safeguards households from fraud and spam through group-based security settings. Initially launched in Chile, Kenya, Malaysia, and Sweden, the feature is planned to expand to other regions in 2026. While the basic option is free, families seeking higher levels of protection can opt for a premium version.
Experts are also noting a rise in digital vulnerability among older adults and minors. According to data from the Russian Interior Ministry’s cybercrime unit, the number of children affected by fraud increased by 120% during the first nine months of 2025. Ensuring comprehensive protection for children against cyber threats requires a combination of technical safeguards and educational approaches.
Meanwhile, fraudsters continue to adapt to new platforms. In September, cases of account rental were detected on MAX – a practice previously observed on WhatsApp. On underground forums, hundreds of such listings appear daily, with payments reaching up to $250 per account. In response, MAX has consistently added protective features, including digital ID verification, document workflow services, and two-factor authentication.
How Family Protection Could Shape International Expansion
The launch of Family Protection represents a notable development for digital security in Russia, with a clear focus on shielding vulnerable users from fraud and spam. The move strengthens MAX’s position as a platform built around security and trust. Looking ahead, further expansion of protective capabilities can be expected, including content analysis, AI-driven filters, automatic blocking of suspicious contacts, and deeper integration of family protection with other VK services and government platforms. Such integration could enhance oversight of minors’ digital rights.
Family-oriented security solutions may also attract interest from CIS markets and developing countries, where similar challenges exist in digital communications. Forecasts suggest that between 2026 and 2029, such tools could become core elements of digital security strategies, helping raise overall protection levels while strengthening the international standing of Russian technologies.
