Russia mandates pre-installation of state-supported MAX messenger app, a competitor to WhatsApp, on mobile devices.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 21 2025
0mins
Should l Buy META?
Source: Reuters
Introduction of MAX: The Russian government has mandated that the state-backed messaging app MAX be pre-installed on all mobile devices and tablets sold in Russia starting September 1, 2023.
Government Control Over Internet: This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to exert control over the internet amid tensions with the West regarding Ukraine.
Accusations of Spying: Critics claim that MAX could be used for user tracking, but state media refutes these claims, asserting that it has fewer data access permissions than competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Integration with Domestic Services: Alongside MAX, the RuStore app will also be required on Apple devices, and a state TV app will be pre-installed on smart TVs, reflecting a push for promoting local applications.
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Analyst Views on META
Wall Street analysts forecast META stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for META is 824.71 USD with a low forecast of 655.15 USD and a high forecast of 1117 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
44 Analyst Rating
37 Buy
6 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 661.460
Low
655.15
Averages
824.71
High
1117
Current: 661.460
Low
655.15
Averages
824.71
High
1117
About META
Meta Platforms, Inc. is building human connections, powered by artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. The Company's products enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) headsets, augmented reality (AR), and wearables. It also helps people discover and learn about what is going on in the world around them, enabling people to share their experiences, ideas, photos, videos, and other content with audiences ranging from their closest family members and friends to the public at large. The Company's segments include Family of Apps (FoA) and Reality Labs (RL). FoA segment includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and Threads. RL segment includes its virtual, augmented, and mixed reality related consumer hardware, software and content. Its product offerings in VR include its Meta Quest devices, as well as software and content available through the Meta Horizon Store.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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