 "Illustration picture of MAX messaging app. Reuters")
Tajikistan has become the latest country to launch a state-backed messenger app after nations across the world have been coming up with their own messaging systems as an alternative to US-made apps like WhatsApp.
Earlier this week, Tajikistan’s communications service said the launch of the app, ORIZ, was: “an important step towards Tajikistan’s digital independence.”
It said the app would be aimed in part at the millions of Tajik migrants working in Russia, where access to Telegram and WhatsApp is limited, and that all user data would be stored within Tajikistan.
India’s homegrown app
Many Indian ministers have moved to Zoho , a website for managing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, in an effort to promote India-made apps.
Zoho Corporation, co-founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, is a Chennai-headquartered software-as-a-service (SaaS) company.
Over the years, it has grown into a powerhouse offering more than 80 cloud-based tools for businesses, spanning email, HR, accounting, CRM, project management, and more.
Last month, Zoho launched Arattai , a messaging platform that waves an edge in the communication landscape. It is a made-in-India instant messaging app that allows users to share information that is end-to-end encrypted.
Russia’s MAX app
A few months ago, Russia mandated its state-owned app ‘Max’ to be pre-installed in all smartphones and tablets sold in the country, after authorities launched a crackdown on foreign social media apps.
Max was introduced in March by the state-controlled social media company VK as a replacement for VK Messenger, which has been included on the government’s list of mandatory apps since 2023.
The app is equipped with features like messaging, making audio and video calls and sending money, while makers have said that additional updates will be introduced in the future.
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View AllAccording to Tass, around 18 million people have registered with Max since its launch.
With inputs from agencies