Maksut Shadaev

Russian Minister Proposes Blocking All SIM Cards Linked to Fraudsters Banned in MAX Messenger

The head of Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadaev, has suggested extending account bans in the MAX messenger to a broader set of mobile restrictions. Under the proposal, operators would be required to disconnect not only the number used in a fraudulent account but also any other SIM cards belonging to the same individual. The measure would also introduce a cooling-off period preventing the person from registering new numbers after a ban. Officials aim to make it significantly harder for scammers to resume operations following enforcement actions. Key implementation details, including how ownership and involvement in fraud will be verified, remain unspecified in the initial statement. The initiative specifically targets fraud prevention and does not apply to every account suspension in the messenger.

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

Russian Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev announced that the country is prepared to open the source code of its domestic social networks, messengers, and video services to international partners. Shadaev stated that Russia will show the internal structure of these platforms and allow joint modification of algorithms. The proposal was presented at the Platform of Sovereign Development exhibition and reported by TASS. He contrasted Western IT products, described as opaque black boxes, with Russia's new approach of transparency to avoid what he called digital colonialism. The same offer extends to Russian foundational AI models, which could be adapted to foreign legislation, cultural requirements, and security standards. No specific products, repository links, timelines, or licensing terms were provided during the speech.

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.