Марія Бровінська War 29 September 2025, 13:17

Russia launches "Orthodox messenger" for believers "Zosima", which collects users' personal data

The application, supposedly created for communication between believers, could become a tool of state control.

It collects an extremely wide range of users' personal data, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

Registration in the application takes place through the "Gosuslugy" portal, which automatically opens access to government databases. Now users can also register in the application by specifying their email address through their VKontakte account.

The functionality of the program allows the user to write messages, create group chats, add friends, upload photos and videos. Zosima also has the following sections: "news", "books", "events", "map". But none of the sections are working yet, they are all under development.

Zosima promises subscriptions to church pages, service schedules, the ability to "share thoughts about faith," write to priests with a request for prayer, and even participate in collective online prayers. However, most of these functions are not working yet, Russian media reports.

On Google Play, the creators of Zosima describe the program as a “space for communication and spiritual unity.” The messenger was announced in 2024 by the Innotekh XXI charitable foundation. The foundation supports the restoration of ancient temples. A year ago, the head of the foundation said that Zosima users who call for violence, swear, or use profanity would be blocked.

According to the privacy policy, the developers will process the user's passport data, his TIN, SNIL number, registration and residence addresses, marital status, information about income, property status, places of work, and military registration.

At the same time, the developers promise that they will not collect data related to "race, nationality, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or intimate life."

As stated in the privacy policy, Zosima will not transfer data to third parties, except in cases "provided for by federal law."

"Formally, the launch of the messenger is explained by the desire to make the Russian Orthodox Church "more modern" and "closer to young people." In reality, it is about creating another tool for digital control over the population. This once again confirms that the ROC in Russia is actually part of the state apparatus and helps the authorities manage society," the CPR noted.

The development of an “Orthodox messenger” in Russia, designed for exchanging messages between believers, creating thematic channels, and collecting donations, became known in 2024. The launch of the “Zosima” application for the general public was planned for the spring of 2025.

Recall that earlier in the Russian Federation, the national messenger Max was released, which actively collects a huge range of information about the user: interaction events (clicks, purchases, actions in the application), personal data (age, contacts, identifiers, interface language), sources. For the application tracker to work, almost all key permissions are required: access to the camera, microphone, geolocation, contacts, files, accounts, messages, APK installation and screen capture. At the same time, state employees and officials are forced to switch to the Max messenger. The requirement applies to both home chats and regional governments and airports.

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