A new watchdog report has raised serious questions about how major tech companies enforce U.S. sanctions. According to findings shared by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), more than 50 apps linked to sanctioned developers remained available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, even after the U.S. banned business dealings with those entities.
The report highlights that some developers appeared under slightly altered names, which allowed their apps to bypass detection. For example, a few companies reportedly added small changes, such as corporate abbreviations, to avoid scrutiny. As a result, users could still download apps tied to blacklisted organizations.
Apple and Google Respond
Following discussions with TTP, Google removed most of the flagged apps. Reports indicate Google initially hosted 18 such apps and later removed all but one. Apple, however, faced a larger issue. The company reportedly hosted 52 questionable apps and removed 35 after internal reviews and follow-up talks.
Despite these actions, Apple disputed the claim that every remaining app violated sanctions. At the same time, the company acknowledged concerns and said it would strengthen its app review process. Apple also stated that it values the work done by watchdog groups in identifying potential risks.
Legal and Compliance Risks
This situation carries legal weight for Apple. In 2019, the company paid penalties after self-reporting similar violations. That history makes Apple more exposed to future fines if regulators find repeated compliance failures. In contrast, Google has faced fewer penalties so far.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Treasury did not comment on specific cases. However, the office emphasized that technology firms must understand sanction laws and conduct strong due diligence when hosting digital products.
Why This Matters to Users
App stores promise safety and trust. When sanctioned apps remain available, users may unknowingly interact with entities tied to serious legal or ethical issues. Therefore, watchdogs argue that stronger vetting systems remain essential.
As scrutiny grows, both Apple and Google may face increased pressure from regulators and the public. Ultimately, this case shows how complex global compliance can challenge even the largest technology platforms—and why transparency still matters.
