Overview
- The European Union designated VK and its subsidiary Communication Platform LLC for their role in developing the Max messaging app, saying the company provided technical support that facilitated repression of civil society.
- The EU’s designation states that Max was developed under supervision of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and cites expert findings that the app is pre-installed on devices sold in Russia and can carry out extensive monitoring of communications.
- Brussels also said the rollout of Max was accompanied by restrictions on independent services such as Telegram and WhatsApp, which regulators view as part of a state campaign to promote the Kremlin-backed platform.
- The EU and the U.K. announced parallel measures targeting people and groups tied to Russian cyber and hybrid operations, including listings linked to the FSB’s Center 16 and senior figures associated with the GRU.
- VK responded that its social networks and Max remain available to users and are not expected to be immediately disrupted, while Brussels says it is preparing further sanctions that could broaden pressure on Russian tech and cyber networks.