Starting December 27, older builds of the Gosuslugi and Gosuslugi Avto applications will cease to function on Russian smartphones. This change comes from the Ministry of Digital Transformation, which announced the update through its official Telegram channel. The ministry explained that the move is part of a broader security measure aimed at protecting user data when interacting with government services on mobile devices.
In their notice, the ministry urged users to update the two government apps to the latest versions available for Android. The message emphasizes that the update is necessary to safeguard the privacy and security of information transmitted through the applications. Users who continue to operate outdated versions may experience disruptions in access to government services and related features.
To ensure uninterrupted access, the ministry recommended enabling automatic updates on Android devices. Automatic updates help ensure that the Gosuslugi and Gosuslugi Avto apps stay current with security patches and performance improvements, reducing the risk of compatibility issues and data exposure.
For users who prefer manual updates, the ministry advised opening the app store on their device and locating the Government Services and Government Services Auto apps. Once found, users should select the Update option. The guidance covers multiple app marketplaces that are commonly used in Russia, including RuStore, Google Play, and AppGallery, ensuring broad compatibility across platforms.
In a related note, a separate media outlet reported that the Ministry of Digital Transformation had denied claims of a data leak involving users of the Government Services service. This clarification underscores the ongoing focus on security practices surrounding government digital services and the steps being taken to protect user information while maintaining reliable access to essential public services.