The Russian messaging app Max has started tracking users' likes and comments

A new clause has been added to the privacy policy of the Russian state-owned messaging app Max, allowing the tracking of content views, subscriptions, and user reactions to posts.

The changes involve collecting information about user interactions with channels, which theoretically includes likes, comments, reposts, and subscriptions. The service explains the update to its rules as a need to “personalize” content. The previous version of the privacy policy allowed for the processing of users’ personal data, including first and last names, phone numbers, usernames, IP addresses, and technical information about devices.

Experts note that the information collected could end up in the hands of Russian law enforcement agencies. Unlike Telegram, the Max messaging app complies with the requirements for information distributors in Russia and transfers data to the FSB.

Source: The Moscow Times.

Currently, Russian authorities continue to promote the state-run Max messaging app. Starting in August, users will be able to use its basic features for free without using up their mobile data allowance. The service has signed an agreement to this effect with the four largest mobile operators in the Russian Federation.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of the Russian Federation has opened an antitrust case against Apple. The reason was the company’s failure to comply with the requirement to pre-install the Russian app store RuStore and the spyware-laden messenger Max on iOS devices.