The authorities in Transnistria are expanding their presence on the Russian messaging app MAX.

The separatist institutions in Transnistria, led by leader Vadim Krasnoselski, are expanding their presence on the Russian messaging application MAX, considered a 'national messenger' by Moscow. This transition began in February 2026, amid speculation about a possible blocking of the Telegram application in Russia. Although the blocking did not occur, users reported a slowdown in traffic on the platform. The first channels on MAX were launched by media structures controlled by the de facto administration in Tiraspol, followed by security and public order institutions. Despite Krasnoselski's calls to use the local platform IDC Matrix, the institutions chose MAX. In Russia, the use of the MAX application by public officials has become mandatory, and authorities are preparing legislative changes to enforce the use of this platform. Experts have expressed concerns about the security of the application, highlighting that user data is stored on servers in Russia, which could increase Transnistria's digital dependence on Russian information infrastructure.