Maksut Shadaev

Russian Minister Proposes Blocking All SIM Cards of Scammers Banned in MAX Messenger

The head of Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has suggested expanding account bans in the MAX messenger to include full disconnection of all mobile numbers belonging to the same owner. Maksut Shadaev stated that simply restricting the messenger account is insufficient and that operators must continue countermeasures. The proposal also includes a cooling-off period preventing the individual from registering new numbers after a ban. Details on the duration of restrictions, data transfer procedures to operators, and appeal mechanisms remain undisclosed. Questions around accurate owner identification and cases of compromised or misused numbers are highlighted as critical for implementation. The measures target fraudsters specifically and would not apply automatically to every MAX rule violation.

Russia Ready to Disclose Source Code of Social Networks, Messengers and AI Models, Minister Shadaev Says

Russian Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev announced that Russia is prepared to open the source code of its domestic social networks, messengers and video services to foreign partners. The offer includes showing the internal structure of the platforms and jointly modifying their algorithms. Shadaev compared reliance on Western IT products to digital colonialism, citing years of disagreements over compliance with Russian legislation. A similar proposal was made for Russian AI foundation models, which could be adapted to meet other countries' laws, cultural requirements and security standards. The statement was delivered at the Platform of Sovereign Development exhibition, yet no specific products, repositories, timelines or licensing terms were provided.

Russia Sets 2030 Deadline to Deliver LTE Internet to Small Settlements

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has outlined a timeline to provide mobile LTE internet access to small settlements with populations between 100 and 1,000 people by the end of 2030. Minister Maksut Shadaev stated in the State Duma that the next major milestone involves connecting an additional 1,800 settlements by 2027. Over the past six years, LTE service has already reached more than 8,000 such localities through the ongoing federal program. The initiative focuses on building the necessary mobile infrastructure rather than guaranteeing signal coverage at every geographic point. Residents in these areas are expected to gain reliable access to standard digital services without needing to search for optimal signal locations. Progress will be measured by actual deployed infrastructure and operational connectivity at the 2027 checkpoint.

Russia's MinTsifry Flags Google Android Developer Verification Rules as Risk to Domestic Apps

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development is assessing new Google policies that will require developer registration for Android apps distributed outside Google Play. The changes, starting in select countries in 2026 and expanding globally in 2027, could block sideloading of Russian applications previously removed from official stores due to sanctions. Minister Maksut Shadaev described the scenario as a potential barrier where users may no longer freely install APK files from third-party sources. Google plans to retain advanced modes and ADB installation options with extra warnings for unverified apps. Custom firmware projects such as LineageOS have stated their devices will remain unaffected by the verification system. Russian banks, marketplaces, and other services that rely on direct APK distribution are viewed as the most exposed.

Russian Government Rules Out TikTok Transformation for Gosuslugi Portal

Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko stated that Russian authorities have no current plans to convert the Gosuslugi state services portal into a TikTok analogue. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Grigorenko described such a transformation as something beyond reasonable limits while noting that the idea could become acceptable in the future. The government aims to evolve Gosuslugi into a universal digital ecosystem that includes a social network with local communities, an events aggregator, and family chats by 2035. These features are intended to unite citizens, businesses, and state bodies in a trusted interaction space. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev has previously described the portal's goal as becoming a major social media platform. Officials emphasize that vertical video content such as tax deduction оформление remains off the table for now.