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Russia Looks to WeChat and Douyin to Build Max Messaging Platform

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Russia is turning to Chinese digital platforms as benchmarks for developing its domestic messaging ecosystem, with VK aiming to transform its Max app into a multifunctional “super app.”

According to CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko, the company is closely studying WeChat—developed by Tencent—and Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok, as models for integrating messaging, payments, e-commerce and business services into a single platform.

The Kremlin has been actively promoting Max as a domestic alternative to Telegram, which remains the most widely used messaging service in Russia. However, adoption has been limited, with users citing weaker functionality compared to established platforms.

VK aims to replicate the “platform economy” approach seen in China, where apps serve as ecosystems combining communication, financial services and commerce. Kiriyenko noted that Max will leverage an open architecture to integrate third-party chatbots and services, enabling businesses to interact directly with users. Around 500,000 companies have already registered on the platform.

The strategy includes incorporating features inspired by WeChat’s mini-program ecosystem and Douyin’s content-driven e-commerce model, where users discover and purchase products through creator-led content.

Russia’s push reflects broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology platforms while fostering domestic digital infrastructure. However, replicating the scale and functionality of Chinese super apps presents significant technical and adoption challenges.

Russia Publishes List of Local Apps to Function During Internet Blackouts

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Russia’s Digital Development Ministry on Friday released a list of local apps and services that will remain operational during mobile internet shutdowns—blackouts authorities have often imposed to disrupt Ukrainian drone attacks.

The whitelist includes online government services, marketplaces, the Mir electronic payment system, and state-backed messenger MAX, but omits foreign rivals such as WhatsApp and YouTube, despite their massive popularity in Russia. According to Mediascope, WhatsApp had 97.6 million Russian users in July, making it the country’s most widely used app.

The ministry said a “special technical solution” would keep domestic apps running during shutdowns, claiming the move would minimize disruption for citizens while ensuring “security.” While Ukraine was not explicitly mentioned, governors in Russian border regions have repeatedly said temporary outages are needed to block drones from using mobile networks for navigation.

The decision also fits Moscow’s broader push since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine to expand control over its digital ecosystem and promote homegrown alternatives to foreign tech platforms. VK Group, the state-controlled tech company, has played a central role: its MAX messenger, now pre-installed on all phones sold in Russia, reported 30 million users this week, while its VK Messenger ranks third nationwide with 16.7 million users.

Meanwhile, Telegram, created by Russian-born Pavel Durov and used by 90.9 million Russians, was also excluded from the official list. Analysts see the move as a further attempt by the Kremlin to steer users toward domestically controlled services while sidelining foreign platforms that resist state oversight.

Russian Parliament Supports New State Messaging App to Rival WhatsApp and Telegram

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Russian lawmakers voted on Tuesday in favor of developing a government-backed messaging app aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app will be closely integrated with state services, reflecting Moscow’s ongoing push for digital sovereignty.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the parliament’s information policy committee and author of the draft legislation, said the new platform will provide messaging, voice calls, and other features beyond those offered by Telegram and Meta’s WhatsApp. “The main competitive advantage of the platform will be the deep integration with government services,” Gorelkin wrote on Telegram.

The legislation still requires approval by the upper house of parliament and the signature of President Vladimir Putin to become law.

Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev recently proposed integrating government services with a national messaging app during a meeting with Putin, highlighting Russia’s lag behind other countries in this area. State-controlled tech firm VK, operator of the VKontakte social network used by nearly 80 million Russians daily, has been investing heavily in homegrown services like VK Video, a local alternative to YouTube.

VK reported a significant loss of 94.9 billion roubles ($1.21 billion) in 2024 amid efforts to expand content and improve technology.

Meanwhile, YouTube’s daily audience in Russia plunged from over 40 million users in mid-2024 to fewer than 10 million recently, partly due to slower download speeds. Russian officials blamed Google for neglecting investment in local infrastructure and not restoring blocked Russian channels. Google denied causing any technical issues.

Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Russian Internet Protection Society, warned on Telegram that the government might deliberately slow WhatsApp and Telegram to boost the new app’s adoption, raising concerns about potential infringements on personal freedoms.