Max (messenger)

History

2025

The Public services has disabled SMS login confirmation. Now confirmation codes only come to Max

In December 2025, for the State Public services mobile application, two-factor authentication methods were expanded - a multi-stage procedure for checking the identity of the account owner. Now, among other things, on the portal you can log in using the code that comes to the Max messenger. Read more here.

Ability to receive notifications from State Public services

Users will be able to receive notifications from Public services in the MAX messenger. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on December 2, 2025.

It has become more convenient to use state services: notifications about appointments for a doctor's appointment, status of applications and fines have been collected in one place - the chat bot of the Public services in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fines can be immediately paid without leaving the messenger - payment notifications will also appear in the chatbot.

In order to receive important notifications in the national messenger, it is necessary that accounts in MAX and on Public services are tied to the same number. The list of notifications that will come to MAX can be configured in your Public services account.

Xplain Solution Support

AutoFAQ The company added Russian messenger MAX omnicanal to the number of channels supported by the platform based on. artificial intelligence Organizations that work with MAX can now connect AutoFAQ and Xplain messenger to and access all features: AI automating customer support, processing - and - HR IT messages, intelligent document search, and knowledge bases. AutoFAQ announced this on November 27, 2025. More here.

Quick access to your documents from State Public services

MAX users will have quick access to their documents from the Public services. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 27, 2025.

Access to data does not require biometrics. Document cards are available in the user profile in the Digital ID section.

Electronic versions of a passport, driver's license, SNILS, compulsory medical insurance policy and TIN are available to users. In the future, the list will be expanded, in particular, data on vehicles and basic documents of children will appear in it.

To get quick access to documents, you must:

• update the MAX application and Public services;
• Go to the Digital ID section
• Select a document.
• give permission to process data in Public services for the first use.

Integration with the Ingosstrakh omnichannel platform

The company Ingosstrakh"" completed integration its own omnicanal digital platform for online communications with customers in the MAX messenger. With this platform contact center insurance , the companies handle text messages from customers across the country. The technological partner of the project is a Russian company, CraftTalk a developer AI of a platform for omnichannel communications and knowledge management. CraftTalk announced this on November 25, 2025. More here.

Integration with BPMSoft

BPMSoft is integrated with the national MAX messenger. Corporate customers using the current version of BPMSoft have the opportunity to connect MAX in the Omnichannel Communications (OCC) module and build interaction with customers in this digital channel. BPMSoft (formerly LANIT Omni) announced this on November 26, 2025.

The application "MAX for BPMSoft OCC" is published in the Vendor Application Store and is available for download. For correct operation, you must also update the OCC connector, which includes all components for integration with MAX. As of November 2025, messenger support works for on-site OCC deployments; for cloud installations, connectivity will appear in the first quarter of 2026.

The mechanism for connecting MAX to BPMSoft is similar to the integrations of other messengers. Customers need to register on the MAX platform for partners, create a chatbot and undergo moderation. After receiving the token, access becomes active in BPMSoft, where the channel can be flexibly configured for service and sales processes.

Contact center employees can use all MAX tools in the interface of the familiar OCC working environment: chat bots, translation of the dialogue between the bot and the operator, script analytics, automatic creation of leads, contacts and contacts, sending files, geometries and links, as well as multilingual communication scripts.

MAX is becoming an important communication channel for companies and government organizations with a wide customer base in the markets of Russia and the CIS countries. Adding it to the BPMSoft ecosystem allows our customers to adapt processes faster, ensuring service continuity and case flow manageability. said Vyacheslav Strigin, owner of the BPMSoft OCC product.

Astra Linux compatibility

The national messenger and the Russian operational system have confirmed compatibility. Thanks to this, millions of Astra Linux users, including employees of medical and educational institutions, state corporations and ministries, have the opportunity to download MAX. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 25, 2025.

According to the test results, the Ready for Astra certificate was released - it proves the safe use of MAX on devices running Astra Linux, including systems with increased information security requirements.

According to independent analysts Strategy Partners, in 2024 Astra Linux OS occupies 76% of the Russian operating systems market. The audience of MAX in November exceeded 55 million users. The entire platform infrastructure is located in Russia. The appendix is included in the register of Russian software.

{{quote 'author=said Director of the Department for Work with Strategic Partners of Astra Group, Kirill Sinkov. | Confirming the compatibility of MAX and Astra Linux creates the foundation for the formation of a full-fledged sovereign digital ecosystem. In partnership with leading Russian developers, we create an environment in which security is organically combined with user convenience, and the choice of domestic solutions becomes natural for business and government organizations. We intend to develop cooperation with participants in the Russian IT market so that each company and agency can build a reliable and independent communication infrastructure,}}

{{quote 'author=noted VK Vice President, MAX Project Manager, Farit Khusnoyarov. | Successful certification simplifies and accelerates the implementation of the messenger in commercial organizations and government agencies, which makes it possible to ensure security and complete import independence - including in working with sensitive data,}}

Edna Chat Center Support

November 1, 2025 IT- the company edna added the ability to connect a new channel in its chat center. Now edna customers can officially to integrate domestic MAX messenger for convenient processing of customer requests. Edna announced this on November 25, 2025. More here.

The ability to scan printed and handwritten documents in seconds

Smart Engines specialists have transferred artificial intelligence technologies to the MAX messenger for scanning text in photos and images. The development allows you to recognize printed and handwritten text in seconds, regardless of font, as well as read inscriptions and notes from any paper and electronic media. Smart Engines reported this on November 19, 2025. [1]Подробнее #.2A_.D0.9F.D0.B5.D1.80.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.BE.D1.81_.D0.B2_.D0.BC.D0.B5.D1.81.D1.81.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B4.D0.B6.D0.B5.D1.80_Max_.D1.82.D0.B5.D1.85.D0.BD.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.BE.D0.B3.D0.B8.D0.B8_.D0.98.D0.98_.D0.B4.D0.BB.D1.8F_.D1.81.D0.BA.D0.B0.D0.BD.D0.B8.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B0.D0.BD.D0.B8.D1.8F_.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.BA.D1.81.D1.82.D0.B0_.D0.BD.D0.B0_.D1.84.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BE_.D0.B8_.D0.B8.D0.B7.D0.BE.D0.B1.D1.80.D0.B0.D0.B6.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D1.8F.D1.85 здесь.

Compatibility with Aurora OS

The national messenger and the Russian mobile operating system have confirmed compatibility. You can download MAX to a device running Aurora in the RuStore. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 21, 2025.

The audience of MAX in November 2025 exceeded 55 million users. The entire platform infrastructure is located in Russia. The appendix is included in the register of Russian software, which confirms its reliability and compliance with current Russian legislation

{{quote 'author=said CEO of Open Mobile Platform , Pavel Eiges. | The national platform for communication came to a trusted mobile operating system. This is another important step to create an independent digital ecosystem within the country, protected, risk-resistant solutions for Russian users,}}

{{quote 'author=noted VK Vice President, MAX Project Manager, Farit Khusnoyarov. |

Hundreds of thousands of Aurora OS users were able to register in the national messenger. To form a secure environment, MAX uses the experience and modern technologies of VK and Kaspersky Lab, and also tests Sberbank anti-fraud technologies,}}

Launch of the service of the Ministry of Culture to search for tickets for events

The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Digital Development of Digital Science have launched a service for finding tickets for events in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can get acquainted with the poster of events, purchase tickets to the cinema, museum, concert or exhibition using the mini-application "Public services Culture." The service is available in all regions, you can use it, including under the Pushkin Card program. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 20, 2025. [2]Подробнее #.2A2025:_.D0.97.D0.B0.D0.BF.D1.83.D1.81.D0.BA_.D0.B2_Max_.D1.81.D0.B5.D1.80.D0.B2.D0.B8.D1.81.D0.B0_.D0.BF.D0.BE.D0.B8.D1.81.D0.BA.D0.B0_.D0.B1.D0.B8.D0.BB.D0.B5.D1.82.D0.BE.D0.B2_.D0.BD.D0.B0_.D0.BC.D0.B5.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.BF.D1.80.D0.B8.D1.8F.D1.82.D0.B8.D1.8F здесь.

Russians can now check into hotels without a passport - identity is confirmed through the Max messenger

In November 2025, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov announced the launch of a hotel check-in service through the Max messenger. He clarified that the draft resolution is already in the government, and large hotel chains are implementing the service.

Messenger Max will offer an alternative, simplified settlement format. For the procedure, it will be necessary to show the data of the identity document at the administrator's desk through the application, with the transition to "Public services." This feature will be available only to those hotels that use a single biometric system for identification.

Now Russians can check into hotels without a passport, confirming their identity through the Max messenger

According to Interfax, another task of the government is to introduce non-refundable tariffs in hotels. Reshetnikov called this decision extremely important for the industry. Fares like this suggest lower room rates, subject to booking without the option of a free waiver.

The proposal to use Max for hotel occupancy is contained in the draft resolution "On Approval of the Rules for the Provision of Hotel Services and Services of Other Accommodation Facilities in the Russian Federation," developed by the Ministry of Economic Development. According to the explanatory note, the use of the Max messenger is aimed at increasing the convenience and availability of services for consumers. The ruling is expected to take effect on March 1, 2026.

Vice-President of the Association of Tour Operators, General Director of the Dolphin tour operator Sergei Romashkin believes that the demand for the innovation will directly depend on the manufacturability, speed and reliability of the messenger itself. Romashkin also stressed that an objective assessment of the initiative will be possible only after the entry into force of the decree in 2026 and the study of its functioning in real conditions.^[1][2][3][4]

Bitrix integration24

Online collaboration service Bitriks24 will allow you to configure integration messenger with MAX. The function will be available within the - CRM system and will give companies the opportunity to receive messages from MAX directly in, contact center along with other current messengers, and. by mail telephony This was Rassvet.digital (Dawn. Digital) announced on November 14, 2025. More. here

Partner Platform Availability for МСП.РФ Member Companies

Small and medium-sized businesses join MAX. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 12, 2025.

Connection to the Partner Platform has become available to more than 700 thousand Russian companies. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to integrate services for the sale of goods and services, receiving payments and supporting customers into the national messenger. To do this, you must be registered on the digital platform МСП.РФ or have an application in the RuStore.

Entrepreneurs will become available:

• effective tools for online sales of goods and services using gadgets;
• Automate customer experience and reduce the burden of chatbot support
• strengthening PR and marketing through its own channel with content posts about the company and its products.

Messages and calls became available in the CIS countries

Residents of nine Commonwealth countries will be able to send messages and call MAH. In addition to citizens of Russia and Belarus, residents of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have the opportunity to communicate in the MACH. The update will allow millions of users to keep in touch with loved ones abroad. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on November 5, 2025.

To communicate with users from the CIS countries, it is necessary that the numbers of the interlocutors are added to the contact lists. If users are not in each other's contact lists, then one of the interlocutors can send an invitation link.

Adding an interlocutor number to contact lists is a necessary measure to preserve a secure and trusted communication format in MAX. This will allow you to continue to fight scammers, eliminate spam mailings and provide additional protection for user data.

To register in MAX, you need to download the application, select a country and enter a phone number. To complete registration, it remains to enter a verification code from SMS and provide consent to synchronize contacts. You can strengthen the security of your account using two-factor authentication - you can enable it in the "Privacy" section of your profile.

Opening the Partner Platform

MACH has opened a "Platform for Partners," which allows businesses to integrate their services into the messenger: from selling goods and accepting payments - to booking travel and supporting customers. Companies registered in Russia that have posted the application in RuStore can join the platform. In order to take advantage of the platform's capabilities, you need to go to the "Tools" section of RuStore. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 23, 2025.

To start working on the platform, you need to be verified on the Public services or on the website of one of the accredited banks. This is necessary to confirm the connection of the bot owner with the legal entity.

Companies that join the "Platform for Partners" will have the opportunity to:

• automate work with clients and reduce the burden on support using a chatbot - the bot will take on all routine tasks;
• launch the company's website using a widget - sales can be made directly in MAX, without switching to external resources;
• Create your own channel to publish company-related content.

The opening of the platform for business takes place in a phased mode. More than 500 partners took part in the first stage.

The second stage opens up the possibility of connecting RuStore publishers - tax residents to the platform - Russia this is more than 15 thousand developers with a total audience of tens of millions of users. The next stage "Platform for Partners" will be available to all Russian entrepreneurs, including. self-employed Partners will also be able to receive advanced statistics on the behavior of customers of their services in MAX.

As a communication channel in HRMOST

MAX has become a communication channel available in HRMOST. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 20, 2025. More here.

Ability to adjust the connection of interlocutors using the "Waiting Room"

MAX has expanded the functionality of group calls. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 13, 2025.

The creator of the conference has the opportunity to adjust the connection of interlocutors using the "Waiting Room," the participants - "Raise their hand," write a message to the meeting chat and record the conversation, which will automatically go to the "Favorites" folder. A new way of organizing a call has also become available in the messenger - using a group chat.

To organize a group video call in a group chat, select the handset icon located at the top of the screen and press the "connect to call" button. At this moment, chat participants will have a "chat call" placard with the "connect" button. The duration of the video conference is not limited in time and number of participants. After the call ends, the user will be asked to evaluate the quality of the call.

Group calls became available to MAX users in test mode on July 9. As of October 2, since the launch of the messenger, users have made more than 500 million calls, including video conferencing. The average duration of a voice call was ten minutes, a group call was 58 minutes.

Ability to share location using Yandex Maps

Users of the MAX messenger will be able to share their location with each other using Yandex Maps. This function is implemented using Yandex Maps API technologies and will become available to users of the MAX application on Android and iOS. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 10, 2025.

Now, when transferring the location to the interlocutor in the MAX chat, a fragment with a city map is immediately visible. It can be increased by blade and details studied.

Also, a button "Open Yandex Maps" will appear under the card - using it you can go to a separate Maps application or watch the mobile web version if the application is not installed. You can send any location to the chat - both your own and an arbitrary point on the city map, for example, when you need to discuss a place.

Demonstration of the location on Yandex Maps will replace the current solution based on mapping services built into mobile platforms.

Access the Publication View Counter

MAX has expanded opportunities for subscribers and channel authors. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 10, 2025.

The authors got access to the counter of views of publications and will soon be able to draw up key thoughts in posts in quotes. Users can share a direct link to, and content a sensitive one can hide. Updates are available in the latest version of the application.

To hide publications with sensitive or inappropriate content for a particular user, you need to activate the "Content" option: channels and posts marked 16 + will disappear from the tape, search and transfers. You can enable the setting in the messenger profile. To do this, you need:

• go to the "Privacy" section and select the "Safe Mode" tab;
• click on the "Content" button;
• Choose whether to show all or safe content.

MACH created channels for more than 10 thousand authors from VKontakte, Zen, Telegram and Odnoklassniki, in particular: singers Olga Seryabkina and Maria Yankovskaya, programmer and entrepreneur Yevgeny Kaspersky, producer and composer Maxim Fadeev, singers Sergei Zhukov, Oleg Gazmanov and Grigory Leps and psychologist Larisa Surkova.

Ability to create a Digital ID using a simplified scheme

MAX users will be able to create a Digital ID using a simplified scheme. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 9, 2025.

To gain access to the service, it is enough to have a driver's license in. application Public services The digital ID issued in this way can only be used to confirm age.

A digital ID is an analogue of paper documents that allows you to confirm the status of a student, a large parent, as well as age: for example, when buying goods that require reaching adulthood. Identity confirmation is carried out through a constantly updating dynamic QR code in the messenger profile. Citizens of Russia over 18 years old can access the service.

You can create a Digital ID in three ways: using confirmed biometrics, a new passport and a driver's license. To create a Digital ID using a driver's license, you must:

• select "Digital ID" icon in MAX profile and click on "New" button
• consent to "Face or Fingerprint Entry"
• click on the "Go to Public services" button and select confirmation of identity by driver's license
• take a selfie
• receive confirmation that the Digital ID is ready.

MAX launched the possibility of creating a Digital ID in pilot mode on September 15, 2025.

Availability of the document signing service

The document signing service has become available to MAX users. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on October 7, 2025.

Contracts of sale, appeals to the court and other documents can be signed independently - using the chat bot "Goskliuk" in MAX. To do this, you need to update the messenger to the latest version, have a confirmed account on "Public services" and an electronic signature certificate.

To sign documents in MAX, it is necessary to:

• find the chat bot "State Key" by name in the search for a messenger;
• confirm the profile for the first use of the bot using the Public services;
• upload the documents necessary for signing;
• select the type of electronic signature and confirm the signing.

If the user does not have the State Key application, MAX will send it to the application store to install it. At the first launch of the State Lyucha, it will be proposed to obtain the necessary electronic signature certificates.

After confirmation, signed documents in the format of a mobile electronic signature will wait for the user in the chatbot.

MACH completed integration with the State Key mobile electronic signature technology on August 25, 2025. Previously, the signing of documents through MAX was possible only at the initiative of the company. The organization sends the client an agreement for signing in the messenger, a link is attached to the file to seamlessly launch the State Key service, where the user signs the document with an electronic signature. Now the user can sign the document himself and send it to the interlocutor.

Compatibility with AlterOS

The MAX messenger has become available to AlterOS users. Almi Partner announced this on October 7, 2025. Read more here.

Integration with AIS "MFC-Capella"

BFT-Holding, the developer of a comprehensive system for automating the activities of multifunctional centers of AIS "MFC-Capella," on October 2, 2025 announced the integration of its software product with the national messenger Max. Read more here.

Audience growth up to 40 million users

More than 40 million users have registered in the domestic Max messenger. This was announced in September 2025 by the press service of the platform. According to the data, since the launch of the messenger, users have made more than 500 million calls and sent more than 2 billion messages.^[5]

Integration with My Assistant Platform

GUARANTOR SERVICE"" September 29, 2025 announced the integration omnicanal platform "" with the My Assistant national messenger MAH. More. here

Russians will be able to check into hotels using the Max messenger

On September 24, 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation announced a draft government decree, according to which Russians will be able to check into hotels using the Max messenger. This method will be an alternative to the actual presentation of an identity document.

It is assumed that the Max messenger can be used instead of a regular passport and other identity documents. At the same time, the State Duma promises that he will not cancel paper documents.

It is allowed to carry out registration of citizens of the Russian Federation without presenting the originals of documents certifying their identity, if they submit information contained in documents certifying the identity of a citizen of the Russian Federation using a multifunctional information exchange service, - said in an explanatory note to the draft resolution.

As the Kommersant newspaper notes, it is planned to amend the rules on registration: it will be possible to register at the place of residence or stay according to data from Max in hotels, sanatoriums, rest homes, places of imprisonment and other institutions. In addition, it will be possible to use the messenger in stores to confirm age when purchasing goods, which are allowed only to adult citizens. With the Max, it will also be possible to prove the right to various benefits.

It is emphasized that the adoption of the resolution will not entail negative socio-economic, financial and other consequences for the subjects of entrepreneurial and other economic activities, and will not affect the achievement of the goals of state programs of the Russian Federation. Additional allocations from the federal budget and budgets of other levels will not be required.^[6]

Adding the neural network "Alice"

Neuronet Alice became available to all users messenger in Max, and on September 24, 2025 it appeared in. Telegram Neural network will help with the solution of workers, educational and personal tasks - for this you just need to open chat boat Alice in. messenger For example, using Alice's chatbot, you can quickly find out the answer to the question, understand the principle of solving school problems in different subjects, upload the document and get a short retelling, as well as generate an image - and immediately forward the result in private messages, group chat or channel. This was Yandex (Yandex) announced on September 23, 2025. More. here

Adding Two-Factor Authentication

MAX enhances user security with two-factor authentication. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on September 18, 2025.

Two verification steps improve account security and minimize fraud risks. To install two-factor authentications , you need to update, application go to the profile in the "Privacy" section and add password it as a second method of protection.

The password must consist of numbers and at least one letter. The user can keep a "hint" and specify an email to restore the password. Users who first register or log in to the new device will be automatically prompted to install two-factor authentication. You can disable the second factor later in the privacy settings.

As to data of September 17, 2025, more than 35 million people registered in MAX. To create a secure environment, a Security Center has been created that blocks accounts that attempt fraud on the platform. In the national messenger , the user can set Safe Mode - a set of privacy settings that allow you to determine who can write or call the user, as well as invite him to chats.

Testing of age verification at Magnit self-service cash desks

Magnit begins testing age verification technology at self-service cash desks (CSR) when selling goods with age restrictions. The company announced this on September 16, 2025.

The ability to buy such goods without presenting an identity document will be available to users of the MAX messenger. Read more here.

Audience growth up to 35 million users

The audience of the national messenger Max exceeded 35 million users. This was announced in September 2025 by the head of the technology holding (developer VK Max). Vladimir Kiriyenko According to him, users are actively using the functionality of calls in the messenger: about 15 million calls are made on the Max platform every day - over the past month, this figure has grown more than 100 times. Kiriyenko added that the popularity of the service of video calls and group chats is also growing.^[7]

Putting Channels into Open Test Mode for A + Authors

The national messenger completed the first stage of testing the channels - it took place in a closed format and lasted two months. The test was attended by more than 600 authors from different thematic categories with a combined audience of more than 5.5 million users. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on September 17, 2025.

This means that bloggers of the "A +" category - authors with more than 10 thousand subscribers in one of the social networks - can start a channel in MAX on their own. Authors will be able to keep the names of their channels and communities familiar to users.

To create a channel in MAX, you need to update the application and leave a request chat boat in "Channels in MAX." You can find a chatbot through a search for the word "channels," then you need to click on the "start" button and follow the instructions. After the application is approved, the author creates a channel. The nickname and name will be generated automatically and will be identical to the data from the registry. Roskomnadzor

Testing the ability to create a Digital ID

MAX in pilot mode launched the ability to create a Digital ID. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on September 15, 2025.

Digital ID in MAX is an analogue of paper documents, which allows you to confirm the age, status of a student, a large parent and much more. Identity confirmation is carried out through a constantly updating dynamic QR code in the messenger profile. Citizens of Russia over 18 years old can create and use a Digital ID.

To create a Digital ID, you must:

• Update MAX and Public services applications to the latest version
• select the "Digital ID" icon in the "Profile" section and click on the "New" button
• consent to "Face or Fingerprint Entry"
• click on the "Go to Public services" button, give consent to the processing of personal data and confirmation of identity by biometrics: in person or by passport online
• take a selfie
• receive confirmation that the Digital ID is ready

It is safe to use the Digital ID because:

• The digital ID is only valid on the device on which it was created
• dynamic QR code is updated every 30 seconds
• it is impossible to take a screenshot of the Digital ID - instead of a QR code, the photo will have a white screen
• QR code is accessed only through Face ID or fingerprint
• QR code scanning your personal information is not available

You can use the Digital ID when checking into a hotel, when buying goods that require confirmation of the age over 18, as well as the status of a pensioner, large or student.

From September 15, age can be confirmed using the national messenger in ten stores of the Magnit chain: in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Krasnodar. To do this, it is enough to scan the Digital ID from the MAX application at the self-service checkout. In 2025, the list of chain stores where it will be possible to confirm their age without paper documents will exceed 300 outlets.

Integration with Wellsoft Elements Platform

Wellsoft on September 4, 2025 announced the start of integration of the national messenger Max with the Wellsoft Elements platform, which is used by management companies to automate residential management and communication with residents. Read more here.

Audience growth up to 30 million people

The audience of the Max messenger exceeded 30 million people. In late August and early September 2025, the number of calls to MAX increased tenfold compared to July 2025 and exceeded 8 million per day. The number of messages exceeded 1 billion. The average call duration increased to 9 minutes, the group call - to 58. The number of group chats exceeded 1.2 million. The number of video messages in the format of circles in 5 days from the moment of launch exceeded 3 million. Such data in September 2025 were published on the VK website.^[8]

Launch of circles

MAX has launched instant recording and sending video messages in circle format. In order to start using the service, you need to update the application. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on August 29, 2025.

To record and send a circle, you need to click on the camera icon in the lower right corner and slide your finger up the screen. You can stop and resume recording at any time, as well as revise the video before sending. The video message can become more interesting if you turn on the front backlight mode of the smartphone or the Zoom effect during recording to increase the frame. The maximum duration of the circle is 60 seconds.

As of August 19, more than 18 million people have registered with MAH. Since the launch of the messenger, users have sent more than 200 million messages and made about 30 million calls, including group video calls.

Number verification using Kaspersky Who Calls

Kaspersky Lab and the national messenger MAX have implemented the ability to automatically check numbers using Kaspersky Who Calls technologies. This will provide MAX users with an additional layer of protection against telephone fraud. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on August 26, 2025. This need is due to the landscape of cyber threats: according to Kaspersky Who Calls, in the first half of 2025, the share of users in Russia who faced "classic" calls from unknown numbers with suspected fraud amounted to 57%.

Integration of Kaspersky Who Calls technologies in MAX will provide users with information about the reputation of the number, the category of the organization and its name when communicating in the messenger. To identify potential fraudulent numbers in the Kaspersky Lab solution, a set of technologies is used, including several machine learning models.

As part of a joint project, the companies also analyze the numbers registered in MAX to counter attempts at fraud in the messenger.

The Ministry of Digital Development recommended Rostelecom, Sogaz, Aeroflot and telecom operators to integrate with the Max messenger

Ministry of Digital Development Russia recommended that large Russian companies integrate their internal systems with the national Max messenger. Among the recipients of the recommendations are Rostelecom"," Sogaz"," Aeroflot"," "telecom operators,", MTSMegaphone"", "Beeline as well as other key participants in the digital economy. The agency sent a letter with relevant proposals on August 25, 2025.

According to Vedomosti, the full list of recipient companies includes Avito, Russian Railways, Wildberries, Ozon, Alfastrakhovanie, hh.ru, T2, Russian Post, SDEK Global, Invitro, Gemotest and Aviaseils. A Ministry of Digital Development spokesman confirmed the authenticity of the document.

Paraphrased option: the Ministry of Digital Development recommended Rostelecom, Sogaz, Aeroflot and telecom operators to integrate with the Max messenger

Integration will allow transferring a "digital profile of an individual" to the Max infrastructure after connecting the messenger with electronic government information systems. Users will be able to receive legally significant documents for signing using the State Key service.

The ministry has officially announced the completion of the integration of the messenger with state information systems. The representative of the department explained that customers of companies will be able to sign electronic documents through the chatbot of the national messenger.

The signing of documents by electronic signature and the issuance of certificates will take place in the "State Lyuche," but the transition from the messenger will be seamless. The Ministry of Digital Development assured that all user data will remain under reliable protection.

Companies will have access to the "digital profile of an individual," which will allow customers to share data with "Public services," including full name, gender, age and passport data. This will reduce document filling time and minimize errors in the transmission of information over secure channels.

According to developer VK, the number of Max users reached 18 million as of August 19, 2025. Residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg and Kazan are most actively registered. Android accounts for 73% of users, iOS - 26%, PC versions - 1%.^[9]

Integration with "Gosklyuch"

The technology of mobile electronic signature "State Key" is integrated into the messenger. This will allow customers of banks, mobile operators and other organizations to sign electronic documents sent to MAX. For example, consent to the processing of personal data, contracts for the provision of services or additional agreements can be signed directly on the phone. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on August 25, 2025.

The signing process is organized as follows: the company sends the client an agreement for signing in the messenger, along with the file comes a link for the seamless launch of the State Key service, where the user signs the document with an electronic signature, pre-issuing the certificate if it does it for the first time. The user confirms the actions in the "State Department," after which he returns to MAX, where he can download or send a signed document with an electronic signature.

Signing in the "State Lyuche" guarantees the security of the transaction. All events related to the signing of documents in the "State Department" are displayed to the user in his personal account on Public services.

Transfers via SBP for VTB customers

VTB has expanded the functionality of its digital bank in the MAX messenger. Now customers will be able to transfer money through the SBP, as well as scan receipts and make payments using a QR code. VTB announced this on August 21, 2025. Read more here.

Fraudsters began to rent accounts in Max from ordinary users

Fraudulent call centers have mastered the new scheme of work through the Russian Max messenger, renting accounts from ordinary users of the platform. Attackers use the same methods that were previously used for WhatsApp (the service is owned by Meta, which is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia), offering profile owners a monetary reward for temporary access to accounts. This was reported on August 21, 2025 by the department for organizing the fight against the illegal use of information and communication technologies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

The growing popularity of the national messenger Max naturally attracted the attention of scammers who adapted the developed deception schemes for the new platform. Renting user accounts has become one of the initial communication methods used by criminal groups to contact potential victims.

Attackers began to rent their accounts from users in the online cinema Max

The fraud scheme is based on the same principle that attackers used when working with WhatsApp accounts. Russian citizens transfer their accounts for temporary use to third parties for financial remuneration from $10 to $15. The infrastructure of criminal activity remains unchanged, developing according to a scenario similar to WhatsApp.

The main category of account landlords is made up of schoolchildren and students for whom the proposed reward represents a significant amount. Young users agree to a deal without realizing the possible legal consequences of giving access to their personal data to scammers.

The BSC of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that the cases of renting Max accounts are still of an isolated nature. The agency monitors the situation and records attempts by attackers to use the Russian platform for illegal activities. The scale of the phenomenon remains limited compared to similar activity in foreign messengers.^[10]

Add a Complain button

messenger The MAX Security Center has implemented additional measures that help users protect themselves from suspicious contacts and. content This was VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced on August 15, 2025.

The "Complain" button allows you to instantly send a complaint to the Security Center. To do this, go to the chat with the user, click and hold a message containing malicious information, select "Complain," specify the reason for the complaint and click the "Send" button.

All appeals are promptly considered by specialists and moderators of MACH. The security center records not only spam, but also insults, phishing, attempts at social engineering.

A special privacy mode with the ability to quickly limit interaction with unknown:

• hides the profile from searching by phone number;
• blocks incoming calls from strangers;
• disables invitations to chats.

The "Safe Mode" setting is protected by a separate pin code. Combined with neural network filters and round-the-clock monitoring of moderators, this makes the system safe and efficient.

Testing connection to EPGU

VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) and InfoTeCS Internet Trust have tested equipment to connect the MAX messenger to the Public services. VK announced this on August 6, 2025.

The MAX connection to the ESIA is made using a progressive method - the OpenID Connect authentication protocol.

The OpenID Connect protocol allows you to communicate securely data between the ESIA and the MAX with the user's consent. The implementation of the protocol authentications is a hardware room, the equipment supplier was Internet InfoTeCS Trust.

MAX purchased the equipment and fulfilled all the necessary connection requirements.

Integration of MAX OCR module

Experts Smart Engines adapted algorithms computer vision to work in the national. messenger Government agencies,,, banks Marketplaces booking and delivery services will be able to transfer the usual functionality to their mini-applications on the MAX platform without compromising convenience and security. Smart Engines announced this on July 31, 2025. More. here

The start of the introduction of anti-fraud technologies

Sberbank and VK, the developer of the national messenger, have begun introducing anti-fraud technologies in MAX to provide users with protection against fraud. VK announced this on July 28, 2025.

Sberbank plans to provide the MAX team with its own expertise and technological base to identify suspicious transactions and calls. As of July 2025, the anti-fraud teams of Sberbank and MAX began implementing pilot projects, as a result of which decisions will be made on closer cooperation, including the integration of anti-fraud services and joint interaction of operating services.

The technical capabilities of Sberbank in this allow you to identify persons suspected of fraud, people who commit actions under the influence of intruders, as well as suspend fraudulent operations until a person transfers his money to fraudsters.

Thanks to the cooperation of companies, it is planned to ensure the security of users of the MAX messenger at a similar level. As part of the interaction, it is also planned to test online tools for detecting fraud in the early stages, thus further improving the protection of Russians.

Phishing activity detection

Jet infosystems on July 24, 2025 warned of phishing schemes aimed at users of the MAX messenger. Experts have recorded attempts by scammers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

Experts from the service for proactive monitoring of external digital threats Jet CSIRT recorded the use of fake (domains for example, max11.online, max1.online and oneme.ru and others) to distribute harmful links. Attackers create sites that fully mimic the interface of the official MAX messenger, including identical headers, favicons and input forms. data Fake resources are disguised as a real service and distributed through mailings and in, advertizing search engines luring users and forcing them to enter their accounts. data

A successful phishing attack on a MAX account can lead to serious consequences. Attackers can gain full access to the user's correspondence, including personal and work chats, files sent and received, and contacts. This can lead to the leakage of confidential information, including passwords, documents and photographs, as well as blackmail, manipulation and discrediting, including using deepfakes.

We recommend that MAX users exercise increased vigilance, do not click on suspicious links, carefully check the sender's address and do not enter their credentials on unfamiliar sites. If you suspect an account compromise, you must immediately go to the "Privacy" section in the application settings and leave all active sessions, contact the MAX messenger support service, "said Ivan Volkovsky, senior analyst at the proactive monitoring service for external digital threats, Jet CSIRT.

Integration with OkoCRM

OkoCRM has added free integration with the Russian MAX messenger to the OkoStore. Integration allows you to communicate on behalf of the MAX bot directly from the CRM system and combine in one chat all conversations with customers not only in MAX, but also in other instant messengers and social networks. Users will be able to connect as many MAX bots as they like and use all CRM tools to increase sales in the messenger. OkoCRM announced this on July 23, 2025. Read more here.

Safety Monitoring System Implementation

MAX strengthens its own security monitoring. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on July 17, 2025.

The platform includes a safety monitoring system developed by VK engineers. The solution contains more than 10 petabytes of data for cyber investigations, which increases the speed of response to possible incidents, providing a proactive and preventive hunt for threats.

Implemented system - SIEM solution (Security Information and Event Management), which provides analysis of more than 3 million events per second (EPS) emanating from the company's infrastructure, network devices and applications. As of July 2025, VKSIEM processes more than 200 billion information security events per day. Of these, about 15% are in the MAX.

MAX security includes VK SIEM, a next-generation security system capable of handling millions of events per second in real time. This technology not only protects the current audience, but is also ready to scale to tens of millions of users. Many companies respond to incidents after the fact, our system analyzes any suspicious actions at the time of their commission, identifying threats and fraudsters before they harm users, - said the head of SOC VK Dmitry Kukolev.

VK tender for the purchase of NGFW to protect the MAX messenger angered procurement specialists

The company Communication platform"," which is part of the VK holding and is the developer of the Max messenger, conducted a price selection^[11] of^[12] for the purchase of new generation firewalls. UserGate The initial (maximum) purchase price was indicated 10.27 million. rubles Two applications participated in the tender, and the offer won at a price of 9.65 million rubles, that is, the company managed to save more than 620 thousand rubles on the tender. However, electronic trading experts were outraged by the free interpretation of the timing of the auction indicated on the platform.

Purchased NGFW UserGate will also be used to protect MAX services

The tender documentation was published by VK specialists on June 9 on the Single electronic trading platform platform (Roseltorg). In it, the final deadline for submitting applications was indicated on June 16, and summing up on July 7. At the same time, in the draft agreement, the delivery date for the goods was determined as June 23, that is, as if before summing up the results of the competition. One of the bidders even asked to move the deadline for the execution of the contract. His application read:

According to the documentation, the delivery time of the goods should be carried out earlier than the delivery of the procurement results and the conclusion of the contract based on the results of the procurement. Please clarify the delivery time of the goods and make appropriate changes to the contract.

To which the organizers of the auction answered very briefly: "The delivery of equipment no later than 23.06.2025 year. Therefore, it is not possible to extend the deadline for accepting applications. "

This answer caused a storm of emotions in the TG channel "About EP and TC," which published a post with the telling title "In the morning of UserGate, in the afternoon of money"^[13], in which you can notice an obvious reference to the famous episode from the work of Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov "12 chairs." For example, one commenter wrote the following:

This is not about programmers and techniques. It's about administration. VK at Durov was divinely beautiful... The developers are the same, the general concept is fundamentally different.

As a source familiar with the details of the tender explained to TAdviser, the company interpreted the name of the deadline differently, which is designated as "summing up" on the trading platform. Usually, this date means the time of publication of the tender results, after which the winner concludes a contract with the customer and subsequently fulfills it. At the same time, the VK understands this period as the time for the execution of the contract and summing up its results.

That is why, within the framework of the procurement procedure, VK experts summed up the results of the competitive procedure on June 17, which was reflected in the corresponding final protocol, where the winner was determined - his name was not disclosed. It seems that the date of July 7 - the date of summing up the results for the site - was perceived by the company as the date of execution of the contract, and not just the publication of the selection results, as is customary in competitive procedures under Law No. 44-FZ and No. 223-FZ.

As the VK press service explained to TAdviser, the competition was commercial, that is, the rules are set by the customer. Its goal is to open up equipment purchases and find the best supply options. The company's lawyers confirmed that the purchase was carried out correctly, and there is no reason to challenge it.

The press service of UserGate refused to clarify the TAdviser situation, citing the fact that they do not comment on pending processes.

Starting Channel Testing

Channel testing has started in the MAX messenger. This was announced on July 14, 2025 by the press service of MAX.

The testing is attended by media, bloggers, stars and influencers, in particular: Sergei Minaev, Klava Coca, Artemy Lebedev, Antiglyanets, Vlad Paper, Kommersant, RBC, TASS, Sports, Mash, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development of channel and others. More than 50 authors joined the test, whose channels are on a separate showcase. They can also be found in the search for a messenger.

MAX users can subscribe to channels, set reactions, configure notifications, pin channels in the chat list and merge them into folders.

In the near future, a viewing counter and the ability to comment on posts, setting up a separate chat channel and visual design will appear. The ability to create channels will open after testing is completed.

VK Security Gate Integration

The MAX messenger has strengthened the information security system. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on July 10, 2025.

The VK Security Gate automatic code analysis system has been integrated into the platform. The solution additionally introduces artificial intelligence technologies that help monitor and offer code improvements.

The integration of Security Gate into MAX is another step towards ensuring that our products meet the highest standards. cyber security We are confident that automation, transparency and proactive security are the basis of user trust and sustainable growth, "said Igor Ignatiev, head of VK application protection.

Group Call Availability

Group video calls have become available to MAX users. VK (formerly Mail.ru Group) announced this on July 9, 2025.

The duration of the video conference and the number of participants in it are not limited.

To create a group call, click the "Calls" button at the bottom of the screen and select the appropriate option: a link to an online meeting that can be shared will appear. During the session, the user sees a grid of participants and can display the screen.

In the near future, a chat with participants will appear in the group call, the organizer will be able to share administrator rights, and users will be able to choose neuroavatars, masks and backgrounds.

In early July 2025, the number of registered users in the MAX exceeded two million people.

Integration with CraftTalk Platform

CraftTalk on July 7, 2025 announced the integration of its platform with the domestic Max messenger. Now CraftTalk customers can quickly connect a new promising channel to their communication with customers. Read more here.

VK will pay white hackers ₽5 million for holes found in the Max messenger

VK has launched the Bug Bounty program to search for vulnerabilities in the Max messenger with a maximum reward of ₽5 million for critical security errors. The program is aimed at protecting the privacy of users of the digital platform, which is considered as a potential alternative to foreign instant messengers. The initiative was announced in early July 2025.

According to the VK press service, independent researchers are invited to look for vulnerabilities in the mobile application, web version and desktop versions of the Max platform without limiting the search scope. Payments will vary depending on the degree of criticality of the safety issues detected.

VK will pay 5 million rubles to ethical hackers for discovered vulnerabilities in the Max messenger, which claims to be national

Bug Bounty for Max is available on all platforms hosting VK: Standoff Bug Bounty, BI.ZONE Bug Bounty and BugBounty.ru. The VK Information Security Team will respond to new reports within three business days.

Payments for vulnerabilities found are assigned within ten working days. If the reward assessment requires more time, the researchers receive additional notice of the status of consideration.

The new project is subject to the Bounty Pass accumulative mechanics developed by VK. The system is aimed at increasing rewards for personal achievements of independent security researchers.

The Max digital platform was introduced to users at the end of March 2025. In almost three months of operation, the service has attracted more than one million users on mobile devices and computers.

The platform combines a messenger, widgets and chat bots for business, an AI assistant, a money transfer system and other digital services. The Max architecture is built on the principle of a super application - an analogue of the Chinese WeChat.^[14]

Reaching the mark of 1 million registered users

The Russian messenger Max has reached 1 million registered users since the launch of the platform. The service, developed by the VK team, has demonstrated active audience growth over several months of operation. VK announced this at the end of June 2025

Most of the registered users are owners smartphones on the base. operating system Android They account for 75% of all created accounts in the messenger. Users iOS make up 23% of the total, while desktop owners make up 2%.

This is what the desktop version of MAX looks like

The geography of registrations demonstrates the concentration of the audience in the largest cities of Russia. The leaders in the number of new users were residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Krasnodar. These regions show the highest activity when creating accounts in the new messenger.

For several weeks of operation of the platform, users sent 14 million text messages. The audience activity in voice communications amounted to over 420 thousand calls. The average duration of a voice call reaches 8 minutes and 6 seconds.

The developers have integrated NoLACE technology into the messenger to improve the quality of voice calls. The system automatically restores missing fragments of speech and improves the clarity of audio transmission. This function is aimed at providing stable communication in conditions of unstable Internet connection.

The Max messenger was unveiled to the public in March 2025 as a new solution for corporate and private communications. The platform offers a standard set of functions for exchanging messages, files and organizing group chats.

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy Sergey Boyarsky said that Max can claim the status of a national messenger of Russia. The deputy noted the potential of the platform to solve the problems of the country's digital sovereignty.^[15]

Notes