US Sanctions Ignored: Blacklisted Apps Remain on Major Platforms

Over 50 applications listed as blacklisted by the US Treasury remain available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, despite sanctions prohibiting dealings with their developers. This revelation has raised serious concerns regarding the compliance practices of these major tech companies.

The Tech Transparency Project (TPP), a non-profit watchdog, reported that both Apple and Google continue to host apps linked to entities on the Treasury’s list of Specially Designated Nationals. This issue first came to light in 2021, when Apple faced accusations of enabling access to apps from companies under US sanctions. In 2019, the company was fined for similar infractions.

In its recent findings, TPP highlighted that some developers circumvented detection by modifying their app names, often adding “OOO,” the Russian abbreviation for a corporation. TPP Director Katie Paul emphasized the implications of this practice by stating, “Apple and Google promise their users a safe and trusted place to find applications for their devices, but both companies’ failure to identify clearly sanctioned entities raises questions about how these companies vet the apps in their stores.”

As per TPP’s analysis, Google was found to be hosting 18 blacklisted apps, yet has removed all but one following discussions with TPP. In contrast, Apple has been linked to 52 improper apps, removing 17 during initial discussions and a further 18 later on. The reasons behind Apple’s decision to retain 17 apps remain unclear, as does the identity of the one app Google has opted to keep.

Among the apps removed by Apple were those associated with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, an entity reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party. While Apple contends that it does not agree with the classification of all 52 apps as violations of sanctions, the company stated it is enhancing its review processes and appreciates TPP’s efforts in this matter.

The implications of these findings are particularly significant for Apple, as the company is more likely to face legal repercussions and additional fines than Google. This is largely due to Apple’s self-reporting in 2019, which allowed it to avoid a substantial penalty at that time by committing to preventing future violations.

A spokesperson for the US Treasury Department did not provide specific comments regarding the cases in question but reiterated that technology companies must be aware of US sanctions and understand their compliance risks. They urged these companies to conduct due diligence as necessary.

The ongoing presence of blacklisted apps on major platforms raises critical questions about the effectiveness of compliance measures within the tech industry. As scrutiny of these practices intensifies, both Apple and Google may need to reassess their vetting processes to ensure they uphold their commitments to users and adhere to legal obligations.