Russian mobile carriers to make access to Kremlin-backed Max messenger free

Starting August first, Russia's four largest mobile carriers—MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and T2—are waiving data charges for Max. Max is a Kremlin-backed messaging app owned by VK. According to Meduza, subscribers won't be charged for using it, even after they run out of their monthly allowance. Max's CEO says tens of millions of users will now have access regardless of their account balance. The move comes after Apple and Google removed Max from their stores in June, following international sanctions on VK. Russia's Digital Development Ministry announced the arrangement, applying only to users on their home carrier networks.

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