The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian technology companies VK Company, also known as VKontakte, and Communication Platform, the company responsible for developing and managing the Max messaging app.
The companies were among nine entities and individuals added to the EU sanctions list over what the bloc described as serious human rights violations in Russia, including the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
The EU said VK and Communication Platform were targeted over the use of new technologies to restrict freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of association. It alleged that Max App, developed under the supervision of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), includes surveillance features that have been used against users who criticize Russia’s war in Ukraine or publish content banned by Russian authorities.
The EU Council stated that Max App has been promoted by Russian authorities as a domestic messaging platform and is pre-installed on mobile devices sold in Russia.
The sanctions are part of the EU’s broader restrictive measures targeting individuals and entities it says are responsible for human rights abuses and efforts to undermine democracy and the rule of law in Russia.
