Apple & Google Reportedly Hosted Blacklisted Apps Despite US Sanctions

Apple and Google app stores have reportedly continued to host blacklisted apps despite the US sanctions. Various such apps have continued to be available on App Store and Play Store, as per a non-profit watchdog, the Tech Transparency Project (TPP). These apps are reportedly linked to Russian banks blacklisted after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corp, and a Houthi-linked bank in Yemen.

Blacklisted apps hosted on App Store and Play Store despite US sanctions

According to a report by The Washington Post, the TCC group notes that some app developers were present on the App Store under slightly different names. For example, some added OOO to their name, which apparently is the Russian abbreviation for a corporation. 

“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,” said TTP Director Katie Paul.

Apple doesn’t agree that all 52 apps were in violation of sanctions

Google was reportedly hosting 18 problematic apps but removed all but one. Meanwhile, Apple apparently had 52 such apps. However, it had removed 17 initially and eventually took down another 18. It isn’t clear why Google retained one, and Apple left 17 more online.

Apple is reportedly of the opinion that not all 52 apps were in violation of sanctions. However, it said that it was strengthening its review process and commended the work of the TPP. For having more such apps, the Cupertino phone maker is more likely to face legal issues and fines than Google. This is considering its 2019 case, where it escaped a large penalty for self-reporting the situation. It is committed to blocking such apps in the future.

A spokesperson for the US Treasury declined to comment. But cautioned that technology “companies should be aware of the US sanctions and understand their compliance risks, conducting due diligence where appropriate.”

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