Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law authorizing the development of a state-backed national messaging application named "MAX" to reduce reliance on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is intended to be widely used across public institutions and integrated with government and banking services. This move is driven by concerns over security vulnerabilities in existing messaging apps and geopolitical tensions, including Israel's targeting of Iran using location-sharing apps. Concurrently, the Russian State Duma has approved legislation imposing fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individuals who search for or access content deemed "extremist" online, including through VPN services. The law aims to tighten internet censorship and digital control amid ongoing security concerns. Russian lawmakers have also warned that WhatsApp poses a national security threat and should prepare to exit the Russian market, potentially facing restrictions as an IT company from "unfriendly countries." These legislative actions mark a significant shift in Russia's approach to digital privacy, internet freedom, and information control.