Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
European Union sanctions over alleged cooperation with Russian repression
The European Union sanctioned VK in July 2026, alleging that the company cooperated with Russian authorities by providing user data connected with prohibited or politically critical content, supporting restrictions on independent information and participating in government-backed limitations on VPN use. VK disputed or rejected the characterization of its sanctions status in a June 2026 statement, while the EU decision formally cited VK’s alleged role in repression.
2023
Fine over alleged Mail.ru user-data leak
A Moscow magistrate court fined VK 60,000 rubles in 2023 in connection with an alleged leak involving the data of 3.5 million Mail.ru users.
2017
Ukraine’s ban on Mail.ru and VK-linked social networks
Ukraine imposed sanctions and blocked Mail.ru, VKontakte and Odnoklassniki in May 2017 in connection with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in the Donbas conflict. Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, described the measure as disproportionate and harmful to access to information. Mail.ru estimated that the ban reduced its 2017 revenue by approximately 1.5%.
2017
Paradise Papers disclosures concerning technology investments
The Paradise Papers reported that Russian state-linked organizations had pursued investments in Facebook and Twitter through an intermediary associated with Yuri Milner and Digital Sky Technologies. The disclosures raised questions about political connections and the ownership structure surrounding Mail.ru-related investments.