VKontakte and several Russian surveillance firms were added to the EU sanctions list over alleged ties to the FSB and the repression of government critics.Follow us on Google A Russian flag is seen on the laptop screen in front of a computer screen on which cyber code is displayed, in this illustration picture taken March 2, 2018.(photo credit: REUTERS/KACPER PEMPEL/ILLUSTRATION/FILE PHOTO)ByREUTERSJULY 13, 2026 18:37Updated: JULY 13, 2026 18:39The European Union expanded its sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting individuals and entities involved in cybercrime and human rights violations. Among those listed is the popular social media app VKontakte, along with its daughter company, Communication Platform LLC.They were sanctioned for developing and managing the MaxApp for Russian smartphones under the oversight of the FSB security agency. This app is pre-installed on all mobile devices sold in Russia.EU member states stated that the MaxApp is used to repress critics of Russia's war against Ukraine and to silence individuals sharing content that is prohibited by local authorities. Additional restrictive measures were imposed on companies such as Citadel, VAS Experts, and Norsi-Trans.These firms manufacture, develop, and sell hardware and software for surveillance systems that monitor phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media activity.European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium Februrary 26, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN)Surveillance network targets:The EU indicated that this surveillance network primarily targets journalists, opposition figures, minority groups, and ordinary citizens.Moreover, the EU sanctioned personnel from Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, as well as cybercriminals and businesses involved in Russia's efforts to destabilize Europe.The FSB was also accused of overseeing various cyber threat groups.Follow us on Google