EU sanctions Russian firms for AI-enabled surveillance of civil society
The European Union sanctioned Russian social media platform VK Company, its subsidiary, and three technology firms for developing and deploying surveillance systems used to monitor and repress civil society, opposition figures, and journalists. The Max App and SORM system enable mass surveillance of communications and online activity under FSB supervision and are used for repressive actions against critics of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
What happened
The European Union sanctioned four individuals and five entities on 13 July 2026 for grave human rights violations in Russia, focusing on the use of new technologies to restrict freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association.
VK Company (VKontakte) and its subsidiary Communication Platform were sanctioned for developing and managing the Max App, a mobile application preinstalled on all devices sold in Russia and supervised by the FSB, which includes surveillance functions used against users critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Citadel, VAS Experts, and Norsi-Trans were sanctioned for manufacturing and selling hardware and software for SORM, a surveillance system used to monitor internet communications, telephone calls, messages and social media of journalists, opposition figures and ordinary citizens.
Reported impact
The surveillance systems were used for repressive actions against users critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to restrict the democratic opposition and civil society in Russia.
Index analysis
The EU raised to 98 the number of individuals and 7 the number of entities sanctioned under this regime, which has been in force since March 2024 following the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalni.
Governance controls
All sanctioned persons and entities are subject to asset freezes and prohibition on EU citizens and companies providing them funds, while individuals are also banned from entering or transiting EU territory.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.