Russia’s Default Messenger App Will Let Users Check Caller Reputation

Starting next year, every new smartphone and tablet in Russia will ship with MAX preinstalled. Its new feature: automatic reputation checks on incoming numbers.

Users of Russia’s state-backed messenger MAX will soon be able to see who is contacting them — and whether that contact is trustworthy. The feature is powered by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, which has built technology to automatically identify the owner of a phone number and classify the organization behind it.

When a message arrives, the app will display reputation data about the sender. That means users can instantly tell who is reaching out and why — or whether the number belongs to a scammer. MAX will run these checks in the background, filtering out potentially dangerous or fraudulent calls and texts without requiring any extra steps from the user.

The messenger is also positioning itself as more than just a chat app. Within MAX, people will be able to book a doctor’s appointment, pay for purchases, call emergency services, or connect with information hotlines — all without leaving the app.

And starting September 1, 2025, Russia is mandating that every new smartphone and tablet sold in the country come with MAX preinstalled, making the messenger a default gateway for digital communication.