Russia’s Max app opens platform to business services

Russia’s state-backed “super app” Max has officially launched business services, allowing companies to create chatbots and mini apps, open channels, and use the platform’s digital ID function to confirm the age of their customers, as well as student and pensioner status.

Companies can register through the “Max for Business” section, after which they must complete mandatory verification of an owner or representative, either through the state digital services platform Gosuslugi or a partner bank.

Since its launch in October 2025, more than 220,000 businesses have joined the Max platform. It also had 107 million users at the end of March, according to its owner, VKontakte.

Max is designed to emulate China’s WeChat, combining features such as digital ID, messaging, money transfers, government and private services and e-signatures. The app also includes social media features, such as channels.

One of its popular features is age verification, which can be used in more than 70,000 stores to purchase age-restricted goods. All retail outlets in the country are required to accept age verification through the Max as of September 2026.

Despite the rising number of its useful functions, the app has been viewed with apprehension in some quarters.

Russia has been increasingly tightening its online surveillance and censorship, including internet shutdowns and restricting rival foreign apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

In March, the Max app officially received “social network status” under Russian law, meaning that bloggers with channels reaching 10,000 must register with the country’s telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor. They must also not disseminate information prohibited in Russia.

Article Topics

age verification  |  digital ID  |  identity verification  |  retail biometrics  |  Russia  |  super app