EU Imposes Sanctions on VK Company Over Alleged Surveillance and Suppression of Dissent in Russia

The European Union has imposed sanctions on VK Company, the leading force in Russia’s digital landscape, for allegedly collaborating with the Kremlin to identify critics of the Ukraine invasion and restrict access to independent information. The decision, finalized by foreign ministers on Monday, targets VK Company and an affiliated entity for their role in developing Max App—a state-backed platform pre-installed on devices sold in Russia, described as having broad surveillance capabilities. These features reportedly enable authorities to intercept communications, collect data, track user locations, and enforce restrictions on VPNs, undermining access to uncensored content.

VKontakte (“VK”), operated by VK Company, is often likened to “the Russian Facebook” and commands approximately 70 million users. Brussels asserts that the platform has aided repressive measures by sharing user data tied to anti-war content and participating in efforts to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), which many Russians rely on to circumvent state-imposed internet restrictions.

In addition to VK Company, the EU sanctioned Citadel, VAS Experts, and Norsi-Trans—entities supplying technology for Russia’s System of Operative Investigative Measures, used to monitor journalists, activists, and civilians. These restrictions are part of a specialized regime addressing human rights violations. Separately, nine individuals and four organizations were penalized for conducting “malicious” cyberattacks against EU member states.

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In a statement to Russian state outlet TASS, VK Company confirmed its services “remained available to users as normal.”

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