Russian messaging app MAX won’t be able to replicate the success of China’s WeChat, says an expert
29 June 09:55
YOUTUBE
The Russian messaging app MAX is unlikely to evolve into a universal digital platform like China’s WeChat, as Russia lacks both the economic and technological prerequisites for this. This was stated by cybersecurity expert Konstantin Korsun in an interview with the YouTube channel "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, Russian authorities are trying to create their own version of the Chinese digital ecosystem, but WeChat’s success was made possible by the unique conditions of the Chinese market’s development and large-scale government support for the technology sector.
“They want to create their own WeChat. But WeChat didn’t grow simply because someone wanted it to. It requires a massive economy, a huge domestic market, and a corresponding level of technological development,” Korsun said.
The expert explained that WeChat has gradually become a universal digital service that combines a messaging app, a payment system, government services, online commerce, and dozens of other features. According to him, creating such an ecosystem requires years of investment and millions of users.
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In Korsun’s view, Russia lags significantly behind China in terms of both the size of its economy and the level of development of its technology industry.
“China’s population is nearly ten times larger, its economy is many times more powerful, and its electronics production is among the largest in the world. Russia simply does not have such capabilities,” he noted.
The expert also pointed out that international sanctions further limit Russia’s access to the modern technologies and equipment necessary for the development of world-class digital platforms.
At the same time, he said, this does not mean that the new Russian service will not pose a threat to user privacy.
“If the state-run messaging app becomes mandatory, it will first and foremost be a tool for controlling its own citizens,” Korsun said.
The expert noted that digital platforms are increasingly becoming an element of state policy and a tool for influencing society.
In his view, Russia’s attempt to create its own digital ecosystem reflects a desire to tighten control over the information space; however, it will be extremely difficult for Russia to fully replicate the Chinese model due to its significantly weaker economic and technological capabilities.
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