The human rights organization Tech Transparency Project has discovered a number of Russian and Chinese apps from companies under sanctions in the Apple and Google stores.
The human rights organization Tech Transparency Project has discovered a number of Russian and Chinese apps from companies under sanctions in the Apple and Google stores.
«Apple and Google promise their users a safe and secure place to find apps for their devices, but the failure of both companies to clearly identify sanctioned entities raises questions about how these companies vet apps in their stores,» said TTP Director Katie Paul.
The Washington Post reported that there were 18 problematic apps on Google Play. All of them were removed after the publication, including an app from Russia’s Gazprombank that was used to purchase weapons and pay soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
«Google is committed to complying with applicable sanctions and trade compliance laws and enforces appropriate policies in accordance with our Terms of Service. If we find that an account is violating our Terms of Service, we take appropriate action,» Google commented on the TTP report.
The Tech Transparency Project said there were 52 problematic apps on the App Store, although 17 were removed during the investigation. The company removed another 18 after being contacted. Apple said it disagreed that all of them were placed in violation of sanctions.
