The Russian government has ordered that MAX, a state-backed messaging application promoted as an alternative to WhatsApp, be pre-installed on every mobile phone and tablet sold in the country starting 1 September. The decision, published on Thursday, is part of a list of mandatory software that device vendors must include before their products reach consumers. MAX will be integrated with government digital services. While officials say the step will expand user choice, civil-rights groups and some lawmakers argue the app could allow authorities to monitor private communications, deepening state control over the domestic internet after earlier curbs on WhatsApp and Telegram voice calls. The decree also requires Russia’s home-grown app marketplace RuStore—already installed on Android devices—to be pre-loaded on Apple hardware from the same date. In a further move, smart televisions sold from 1 January must carry LIME HD TV, an application that streams state television channels. Together, the measures reinforce the Kremlin’s drive to tighten oversight of online information and communications.