Russia's new messenger replacing WhatsApp will snoop on citizens??

Moscow: Reports suggested that the Russian administration is working on a device, which is set to launch soon, equipped with a new messenger app that can spy on citizens. A report by the news house The Independent suggested that the app is named Max and it will be installed on every device sold in Russia, enabling the Kremlin to spy on citizens. According to the report, the new device will be released in the country in September.

The news comes when a recent development in the country suggests that the messaging app WhatsApp will have to stop its services and leave Russia. Six days ago, Reuters reported that a Russian lawmaker, who regulates the IT sector there, told WhatsApp that it must prepare to leave the Russian market. The lawmaker also said that the app is likely to be added to a list of restricted software in the country, according to a Reuters report.

According to Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law last month, authorising the development of a state-run messaging app as Moscow wishes to reduce the country’s dependence on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

As per the signed law, the app is expected to provide government services, mobile payments, etc.

The Independent reports that experts believe that it might work as a spy programme and allow Russia’s FSB security to establish a rigid surveillance programme in order to snoop into people’s privacy.

Also, with the introduction of this app, WhatsApp is likely to be banned in the country, where 70 per cent of people use the messaging application.