(20 February 2026 | Source: Telegram channel of blogger Anatoly Shariy)
Users of the Russian social platform MAX have discovered differences in how emojis are displayed between the mobile and desktop versions. This has sparked discussion about possible copying of graphics and whether the content meets the requirements of Russian legislation.
The situation has drawn attention because the platform is already used to interact with government and financial services, meaning any issues regarding its content take on legal significance.
THE HEART OF THE DISPUTE
In his Telegram channel, blogger Anatoly Shariy noted that the mobile version of MAX uses emojis visually similar to those in Telegram's set, while the desktop version displays different images. Users noticed the differences between the app versions and began discussing whether such images could violate Russian legislation, including norms concerning the distribution of certain content.
HOW THE MAX PLATFORM DEVELOPED
MAX was launched in early autumn 2025 as a Russian messenger and social platform, operated by the company 'Communication Platform', a subsidiary of the VK holding company. The platform is included in the list of programmes mandatory for pre-installation on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia.
Its rise in popularity coincided with restrictions on calls and messages in Telegram and WhatsApp, which were designated as extremist organisations and partially blocked.
By the end of 2025, 75 million users were registered, with a daily average audience reaching 45 million people. Over 6.5 billion messages had been sent via the service and more than 2 billion calls made. Bloggers, companies and government organisations had created over 122,000 public channels with a combined audience of more than 35 million subscribers.
The use of MAX has become mandatory for accessing government and financial services. Additionally, all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia come with the MAX app pre-installed. Users receive it immediately upon purchasing a device.
WHICH SERVICE FEATURES RAISE QUESTIONS
Users are also discussing the platform's operational features, including data storage and access to correspondence.
According to available information:
- messages and files are stored on Russian servers;
- the service logs user activity and their contacts;
- connections between users are analysed.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITUATION
The discussion of emojis in MAX comes against the backdrop of current restrictions in Russia on the distribution of content related to non-traditional relationships. The situation shows that even a state digital platform may face questions about whether its own content complies with existing regulations.