The Russian messenger Max is planned to be developed on the model of Chinese WeChat and Douyin. The CEO of the Kremlin-controlled company VK, Vladimir Kiriyenko, stated that they are focusing on the experience of Tencent and the success of its sister app TikTok.
The Russian messenger Max is planned to be developed on the model of Chinese WeChat and Douyin. The CEO of the Kremlin-controlled company VK, Vladimir Kiriyenko, stated that they are focusing on the experience of Tencent and the success of its sister app TikTok.
Kiriyenko said that Max, like WeChat, will use its open platform to integrate third-party chatbots, creating new services for businesses. He also added that 500,000 companies have already registered with Max, Reuters reports .
“The Asian model, often cited as an example of WeChat, became successful due to its open system,” Kiriyenko said.
For example, last month, Tencent launched a tool called ClawBot to integrate WeChat with OpenClaw.
VK is also studying Douyin's experience in creating a successful e-commerce platform based on short videos. "While consuming content, people also follow authors who promote certain products and services in areas such as beauty, health, and fashion. That's why I'm currently working on implementing a more collaborative format," Kiriyenko said.
Recall that the Max messenger was developed by the Russian company VK at the request of the Ministry of Digital Affairs of the Russian Federation. In August, the Russian authorities restricted calls to Telegram and WhatsApp, allegedly to combat fraudsters. According to experts, this will contribute to the transition of users to the controlled service.
The Russian government also approved a decision to make the state-owned Max messenger mandatory for pre-installation on all mobile phones and tablets purchased in the country from September 1, 2025. It integrates with the Russian state services service "Gosuslugi", making it mandatory for state employees, schools and universities.
Experts warn that Max spies on users: it requires a large number of permissions on devices, can access the camera and microphone, and data is transferred to Russian state bodies upon request. In other words, it is not a “convenient service” as propaganda suggests, but a full-fledged tool of digital control.
