EU Sanctions VK for Surveillance App Ties Amid Human Rights Violations

• •The EU sanctioned VKontakte for developing the Max app, linked to surveillance and repression.
• •Max app is pre-installed on Russian devices and used to monitor dissent against the government.
• •Sanctions also target other firms involved in human rights abuses and cybercrime.

On July 13, 2026, the EU sanctioned VKontakte and its subsidiary Communication Platform LLC for developing the Max messaging app, which is linked to extensive surveillance and repression in Russia. The app, supervised by the FSB, is pre-installed on all mobile devices sold in Russia and has been used to monitor and suppress dissent against the Russian government. The sanctions also targeted other entities involved in human rights abuses and cybercrime, including Citadel, VAS Experts, and Norsi-Trans. The EU's actions come amid ongoing concerns about the use of technology for repression and the deterioration of human rights in Russia, especially in the context of the war against Ukraine. VK stated it does not expect the sanctions to impact its services. The EU's sanctions package includes travel bans and asset freezes for the listed individuals and entities.