Samsung published a support page showing users how to isolate apps, using Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max as an example.
The post, titled “How to install apps or messengers in the Knox Folder on Samsung Galaxy?”, was flagged by the Telegram channel Yozh, though Samsung had published the tutorial in late March.
In the post, Samsung explained how moving apps into Knox can isolate data and “create a ‘second phone’ inside the device.”
“This guarantees maximum privacy for personal data and conversations, password/biometric protection, separation of work and personal life (you can use a second account), and additional data encryption,” Samsung said.
The tutorial included illustrations showing Max being “isolated” as an example. After journalists drew attention to the post, Samsung removed the images featuring the “national” messenger. The earlier version of the page was preserved in an internet archive.
Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max is marketed as “Russia’s national messenger” and is operated by VK. The app has drawn criticism over the potential for user surveillance, security vulnerabilities, and various attempts by Russian authorities to push it on users.
At Meduza, we are committed to transparency about our use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom. The story you’re reading was written by one of our living, breathing journalists and translated from Russian using an AI model configured to follow our strict editorial standards. This translation process is the result of extensive testing and refinements to ensure our English-language coverage is timely and accurate. A Meduza editor reviews every draft before publication.
If you find any errors in this translation, please contact us at [email protected].
To read Meduza’s exclusive content in English, please subscribe to our newsletter.
