December 10, 2025
Sanctions? There’s an app for that
Apple Faces Scrutiny as Sanctioned Entities Slip Through App Store Controls
Commenters call out Apple bias and joke the only 'dangerous' apps are ones dodging its cut
TLDR: A watchdog found sanctioned companies still active in both Apple and Google app stores. Commenters blasted the Apple-focused framing, joked that the “real danger” is apps dodging Apple’s fee, and argued over whether this is sloppy policing or headline bias—raising questions about trust and enforcement.
A watchdog says sanctioned companies—banned over human rights abuses in China and allegedly aiding the war in Ukraine—are still showing up in both Apple’s App Store and Google Play, and the comment section went full popcorn mode. The biggest mood? People think the headline is picking on Apple, even though the report clearly calls out both app stores. One user, jfindper, slammed the framing as “Apple-targeted,” reminding everyone: this is a joint scandal, not a solo act.
Then came the roast: delichon joked the only truly dangerous app is one that dares to charge money without Apple taking a cut—a spicy nod to the infamous “Apple tax.” Cue memes about Apple playing sheriff for its 30% toll while the sanctions filter naps. Others chimed in that sanctions lists are confusing and app store policing is hard, but the mood leaned skeptical: if they can spot subscription dodgers, they can spot blacklisted firms.
What’s actually happening? Sanctioned or blacklisted organizations are supposed to be blocked from selling services, yet a watchdog report says some slipped through. The thread quickly morphed into Apple vs. Google blame tennis, with jokes, eye-rolls, and arguments over who’s stricter. In short: ethics and compliance took a back seat to fee jokes, bias call-outs, and platform wars.
Key Points
- •A watchdog found apps from banned or sanctioned entities still available in Apple and Google app stores.
- •Bans were linked to issues including human rights abuses in China and facilitating the war in Ukraine.
- •The findings indicate continued availability despite bans or sanctions.
- •Both Apple’s and Google’s app store ecosystems were implicated.
- •The report focuses on the persistence of blacklisted entities within major app distribution platforms.