Policy & Ethicsapp storesanctions complianceapple app storegoogle play
Apple and Google Host Sanctioned Mobile Apps
6.0
Tech Transparency Project researchers found dozens of mobile apps linked to U.S.-sanctioned entities remaining available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, including 52 apps on Apple and a similar number on Google. Despite Treasury Department Specially Designated Nationals listings, many apps stayed live; Google removed 17 and Apple 35 after the probe, raising concerns about sanctions enforcement and platform compliance practices.
Key Points
- 1Identify 52 apps on Apple and similar number on Google tied to sanctioned entities.
- 2Highlight gaps in sanctions enforcement enabling potential indirect financial flows to blacklisted developers.
- 3Urge practitioners to strengthen developer verification and integrate sanctions checks into app-review pipelines.
Scoring Rationale
Investigative findings show industry-wide compliance gaps, but depend on NGO reporting and lack immediate regulatory outcomes.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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