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The Independent
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Putin's ‘digital gulag': Inside the Kremlin's attempt to construct a spy app to snoop on Russians
In just two months, every new digital device in Russia will come equipped with a brand new messenger app, named Max. Beneath its playful white-and-blue logo lies software that experts believe could allow the Kremlin to dramatically expand its capacity to spy on the Russian public. The app, launched in March by Russian tech company VK, will be installed on every new device sold in Russia from September this year. But there are fears it will work as a 'spy programme', allowing Russia's FSB security service to establish a rigid surveillance programme. The app will provide not only a space for messaging and video calls, but will be a broader information system with access to government services and mobile payments, analysts told The Independent. With servers based in Russia, Max will be subject to Russian law, which grants the FSB to have access to certain materials. WhatsApp - the global messenger app used by more than 70 per cent of Russians - is 'highly likely' to be banned as Moscow looks to push people towards using Max, Mark Galeotti, a veteran observer of Russian security and politics and director of Mayak Intelligence, told The Independent. Russian opposition journalist Andrey Okun said Max would be central to the Kremlin's dream of constructing a 'digital gulag'. Writing for the Republic website, he said in comments reported by The Times: 'This will be a sterile space in which the authorities have complete control over the leisure time, motives and thoughts of citizens.' But experts on Russian technology and surveillance say that the introduction of the app, which is said to have been developed on Vladimir Putin's orders, is only the latest step in repeated measures to ramp up its ability to monitor the entire Russian online sphere. 'This is a normalisation of Russia's surveillance of its internet use… it's part of a long, long process,' Keir Giles, author of Russia's War on Everybody, told The Independent. ' The perceived threat from Western communications technology is not something that's new. It's something that has always been a focus for the Russian security services.' Moscow's security industry has for decades been frustrated by Russian citizens using foreign software such as Google, Skype and Hotmail, all of which made it much more difficult to read their messages, Mr Giles explained. Western communications technologies have always been perceived as a threat by Russian security services. After years of trying to clamp down on services such as WhatsApp, the latest move to push Russians towards Max is 'really just tidying up at this point', he added. Popular apps such as WhatsApp - a messenger owned by Meta, which is designated as an extremist organisation by Russia - are now facing a potential ban. Mr Giles said the messenger app has been an 'anomaly' in avoiding the Russian crackdown so far, likely due to its widespread use across the country. Figures show it is used by more than 70 per cent of people in Russia. 'It would be disruptive and unpopular to [ban it] without having a replacement available,' Mr Giles added. Prof Galeotti said: 'The Russian state looks keen to be using sticks rather than carrots by either banning or putting restrictions on WhatsApp and possibly also [messaging service] Telegram in the future, just to kind of drive people towards Max. 'Whether it's a complete ban or whether it's just simply sort of slowdowns and restrictions, I think WhatsApp is going to find itself under real pressure in Russia.' Pushing users towards Max is unlikely to have a significant impact on Russian opposition and activism against the government, Prof Galeotti explained, because they tend to avoid WhatsApp in favour of 'more seriously secure' apps such as Proton Mail and Signal. But it may prompt a significant change in 'casual dissent', he added. 'That's where it might have a freezing effect: people who might be under other circumstances willing to send messages with slightly scurrilous content about the Kremlin might think twice.' Russia previously attempted to block the Telegram messaging app in 2018. But the attempt failed, and did not practically affect the availability of Telegram in Russia, leading it to be officially unblocked two years later. But Mikhail Klimarev, the head of Russia's Internet Protection Society, told The Times that he expected Moscow to renew attempts to ban it by the end of the year.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Putin's ‘Unit 31831' where troops are electrocuted like dogs – and face suicide missions if they don't pay bribes
A BRUTAL Russian unit ties its soldiers up like dogs and sends them on suicide missions if they don't pay bribes, The Sun can reveal. Unit 31831 has become renowned for its brutality among the Advertisement 9 Russian soldiers tied together by the neck Credit: VK 9 Soldiers are handcuffed to posts and forced to sleep on the ground Credit: VK 9 Unit 31831's commander Major Petrosyan Oganes And its commander is so hated that soldiers' families are making a desperate appeal to Vlad to get Major Petrosyan Oganes sacked. The unit - which sits within the 54th Motorised Rifles Regiment - is currently fighting on the front line in Donetsk. But soldiers have complained online that they are "expendable" and are treated like "meat". Their families say troops are dying like "cockroaches under slippers". Advertisement Read more on world news Russia's murderous army is struggling to beat the brave Ukrainians defending their homeland and a summer offensive is moving at a Do you know more about Unit 31831? Contact But Unit 31831's commander Major Oganes has become known for disciplining soldiers by horrific beatings. That includes tying them to posts like dogs, beating one soldier with an electric fan, and trapping soldiers in electrified cages. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive Oganes exacts the beatings against soldiers who have been found to have broken the unit's rules - like being drunk. Soldiers are tied together with a rope around their neck and handcuffed shirtless around posts where they're forced to sleep the night on the ground. Putin hit squad 'eliminated' after cold-blooded daylight assassination of Ukrainian special ops chief with silenced gun Commanders in Unit 31831 also take bribes from soldiers to not send them into the fighting. Those who don't pay the 50,000Roubles (£476) are sent to parts of the front are forced to participate in attacks where they will likely not survive. Advertisement Russian commanders are intentionally killing so many of their own soldiers that the practice now has a slang term: zeroing out. They also extort soldiers for cash - robbing them of 30,000Roubles (£285) to buy perfume for their wives. 9 An electrified cage where soldiers were kept inside to discipline them 9 One soldier tied to a post Credit: VK Advertisement Anger against Oganes and the unit is now spilling over to Russian social media where a campaign has been launched to bring the commander down. One person who tore into Oganes said: "May you be damned, dog and coward!" Another wrote: "What b*******s. Sadists and maniacs!!! They act a hundred times more sophisticated in prison." While a third posted: "This is called an internal enemy and betrayal. Advertisement "Such commanders should be put in jail for a long time." They're desperately trying to get the dictator to step in and fix the unit. 9 One soldier is beaten with a household electric fan 9 The soldier is left with a bruised and cut face after the brutal beating Advertisement They wrote: "Dear Vladimir Putin... "We are forced to turn to you for help, as guarantors of the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of servicemen, as well as members of their families!" The Russians don't bother to tell families that soldiers have died at the front or gone missing. Dozens of posts on Russian social media site VK feature families appealing for information about their lost son in Unit 31831. Advertisement One post from April reads: "My son is missing, military unit 31831, regiment 54. "He signed a contract in Persianovka. "He went to the combat zone on February 25. He went missing. Maybe someone knows, please respond, call sign Khottabych." It paints a picture of a corrupt, violent, and short life for Vlad's boys - and that's before they try and break through the Ukrainian dronegrinder. Advertisement The Russian families continue to support Vlad's unjust invasion of Ukraine, but just want better treatment for their soldiers. A desperate campaign has now been launched by the families of the soldiers to have them treated with more respect. They want them to be able to kill as many Ukrainians as possible. To the Russian public, everything in the army is presented as being well-functioning and respectful. Advertisement One school in the southern city of Volgograd, Secondary School No. 95, Photos posted to the school's social media showed children dressed in combat fatigues proudly standing with a letter of recognition for the cash they'd raised. 9 Russian soldiers are thought to be preparing to try and capture Sumy Credit: East2West 9 Vladimir Putin looks on prior to the Victory Day military parade in Red Square marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II Credit: Getty Advertisement Another commander of Unit 31831 wrote back: "Your assistance and caring attitude deserve deep recognition. "We wish you peaceful skies, good health, energy, optimism, and success in your work." The 54th MRR sits within the 9th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade - which was formerly under the Donetsk People's Republic, but the brigade was later incorporated into the Russian Army. In March, the Centre for European Policy Analysis assessed that Russia could be 12 times more corrupt than Europe on average. Advertisement That means equipment is stolen, salaries are embezzled, and bribes are paid. The massive amount of corruption within Russian trenches is one reason why its far larger army has become ineffective and ground to a halt by Ukraine. Estimates have said that between 50,000 and 100,000 have vanished on the battlefield. Trump's 50-day peace deadline for Vlad THE Kremlin mocked Donald Trump's 50-day peace deadline and may now demand even more Ukrainian territory instead of trying to sign peace. Vladimir Putin will instead keep terrorising Ukrainian civilians during the seven-week period, sources said. The furious US President said he is 'very unhappy' with Russia as he warned of 100 per cent secondary tariffs on Moscow should they continue to blitz Ukraine . Trump said he wants the war to end, but doubled down on his frustration with Putin, saying he's "disappointed" in the Russian leader. But a snarling Putin has always declined and instead ramped up his ground and aerial offensives across Ukraine . He also vowed to send US weapons - compromising of "everything" in their arsenal - to Nato so they can distribute them to Kyiv.
Economic Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes July 15 today: Check all active codes here
Synopsis Garena Free Fire MAX players have a limited-time opportunity to unlock free in-game rewards today, Monday, July 15, using the latest redeem codes released by Garena. These codes offer access to exclusive items such as weapons, character skins, and diamonds. The newly issued alphanumeric codes are valid for one-time use per account and come with limited redemption slots. Agencies Garena Free fire redeem codes today Garena Free Fire MAX players have a limited-time opportunity to unlock free in-game rewards today, Monday, July 15, using the latest redeem codes released by Garena. These codes offer access to exclusive items such as weapons, character skins, and diamonds. Redeem Codes Valid for a Short Window The newly issued alphanumeric codes—ranging from 12 to 16 characters—are valid for one-time use per account and come with limited redemption slots. Players are advised to redeem them quickly, as the codes can expire without prior notice. Upon successful redemption, rewards will be delivered to the player's in-game mailbox within 24 hours. Active Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for July 15 FFMTYQPXFGX6 FFRSX4CYHXZ8 QWER89ASDFGH BNML12ZXCVBN CVBN45QWERTY GFDS78POIUAS JHGF01LKJHGF MNBV34ASDFZX LKJH67QWERTB POIU90ZXCVNM TREW23ASDFGH YUIO56BNMLKJ FFDMNQX9KGX2 FFSGT9KNQXT6 XF4S9KCW7KY2 FFPURTXQFKX3 FFYNCXG2FNT4 How to Redeem Free Fire MAX Codes Players can follow these simple steps to claim rewards using Free Fire MAX redeem codes: Visit the official rewards redemption website: Log in using your linked Free Fire MAX account (Facebook, VK, Google, or Twitter) Enter the redeem code in the provided text field Click on confirm to submit and receive your reward Important Reminder:Always redeem codes through Garena's official website. Using unofficial platforms may compromise your account security. Garena Free Fire MAX Updates Garena continues to enhance gameplay by introducing new content such as bundles, character skins, emotes, and more. The recently released OB49 update features map improvements and gameplay more updates and resources, players can also explore: FF Advance Server APK download link Free Fire MAX OB50 Advance Server launch details FFMIC 2025: Tournament schedule and registration information.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes today: Check all active codes for in-game rewards here
Garena Free Fire MAX players have a limited-time chance to claim free in-game rewards today, Monday, July 14, by using newly released redeem codes. These codes, issued officially by Garena, offer access to items like weapons, character skins, and diamonds. Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem codes valid for a limited period Garena has released a fresh set of alphanumeric redeem codes, ranging between 12 to 16 characters. These are available for one-time use per account and come with limited redemption quotas. Players must redeem the codes quickly to avoid missing out, as they may expire without notice. Once redeemed successfully, the rewards are credited to the player's in-game mailbox within 24 hours. Garena Free Fire MAX Active redeem codes for July 14 Below are the official Free Fire MAX redeem codes released for today: TREW90QAZXCV ASDF67GHJKL9 BNML12ZXCVBN LKJH78GFDSA3 HJKL56POIUYT POIU12MNBVCX GHTY89VCX2LK ZXCV23BNMLKP CVBN45QWERTY YUIO34LKJMNB BVCX45LKJHG6 QWER89ASDFGH Live Events Players are advised to redeem these codes immediately, as redemption is allowed only once per account and only while the code is active. How to claim Free Fire MAX redeem codes Players can follow these steps to redeem the codes: Visit the official Garena Free Fire rewards redemption site at: Log in using a linked Free Fire MAX account (Facebook, VK, Google, or Twitter) Enter the redeem code into the designated text field Confirm the entry to receive the reward Note to readers The redemption process must be done via the official platform. Players should avoid unofficial websites to ensure account safety. Garena Free Fire update Garena is regularly adding new in-game content such as bundles, skins, and emotes. The recently launched OB49 update brings map upgrades and gameplay changes. Players can also find more information on: FF Advance Server APK download link Free Fire Max OB50 Advance Server launch details FFMIC 2025: Tournament schedule and registration info.
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for July 13: Unlock 10+ free rewards including skins, diamonds & weapons today
Garena Free Fire Max players can now seize exclusive in-game rewards on July 13 by utilizing the latest redeem codes issued by the developers. These codes grant temporary access to coveted items such as skins, weapons, and diamonds. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Garena Active Free Fire Max redeem codes today Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What are Free Fire Max Redeem Codes? How to Redeem Free Fire Max Codes Go to the official Garena Free Fire rewards page: Sign in using your Free Fire Max account. Enter a valid redeem code in the given field. Click confirm to finish the redemption process. Garena Free Fire Max players can claim exclusive in-game rewards on July 13 by using the latest redeem codes released by the developers. These codes offer limited-time access to items like skins, weapons, and are the official redeem codes released for July 13. These codes are valid for a short period and can be used only once per account:1. GHTY89VCX2LK2. BVCX45LKJHG63. LKJH78GFDSA34. POIU12MNBVCX5. TREW90QAZXCV6. YUIO34LKJMNB7. ASDF67GHJKL98. ZXCV23BNMLKP9. HJKL56POIUYT10. QWER89ASDFGH11. BNML12ZXCVBN12. CVBN45QWERTY13. GFDS78POIUAS14. JHGF01LKJHGF15. MNBV34ASDFZX16. LKJH67QWERTB17. POIU90ZXCVNM18. TREW23ASDFGH19. YUIO56BNMLKJPlayers should act fast to redeem the codes, as they are time-limited and may become invalid once the redemption limit is the creator of Free Fire Max, regularly shares redeem codes to reward players with free in-game items. These codes consist of 12 to 16 alphanumeric characters and can be used only once per account. They are valid for a limited period and must be redeemed through Garena's official rewards claim the rewards, players need to log in using their Free Fire Max account via Facebook, VK, Google, or Twitter. Once the code is successfully redeemed, rewards will be delivered to the player's in-game mailbox within 24 hours.
