Innovation

Company always keeps its focus on education, social initiatives and employee care. However, in 2023, cybersecurity and user data protection remained priority ESG areas for VK.

In order to continue providing VK customers with high-quality and secure services, the Company collects and analyzes certain information that does not violate user privacy. All personal data provided to the service owner company is always treated as confidential information and is subject to protection in accordance with the legal framework and the requirements of the regulator.

VK has started the transformation of its own Operational Security Center. It provides round-the-clock monitoring and response to information security incidents at all VK sites, processes more than 15 billion events per day from more than 70 thousand sources 365 days a year. This allows to identify and eliminate even the most complex incidents as quickly as possible in automatic mode.

VK has launched a large—scale initiative to protect user data - VK Protect. It combines all the technical solutions that ensure information security in VK projects.

The VK team has developed a unique neural network capable of detecting swearing, insults and other negative statements in posts and comments. With the help of their own algorithms, social networks will detect bursts of such activity on users' pages, warn them of possible danger and offer to turn on the "Personal Space" mode that protects users from unwanted information.

Inspiration

VK is inspired to follow global goals because it believes that technology can be a powerful force for good in the world. The company is committed to using its platform to make a positive impact on society and is working to align its business practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Some of the specific reasons why VK is inspired to follow global goals include:

• A belief that technology can be used to solve global problems: VK believes that technology has the potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as poverty, hunger, and climate change. The company is committed to using its platform to develop innovative solutions to these problems.

• A commitment to social responsibility: VK believes that it has a responsibility to use its platform to make a positive impact on society. The company is committed to working with partners to address social issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

• A desire to create a more sustainable future: VK believes that it has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

Overall impact

The overall impact of VK ESG innovations that fulfil UNG 9 is to ensure confidentiality and protection of personal data of clients, users, and employees in accordance with legal requirements and international standards. Furthermore, it helps with the safety of communication with the help of approach to risk management and ensuring quick action in the event of IT system failures. Working to prevent any incidents related to information security breaches.

VK employs advanced threat detection systems to identify and neutralize malicious activities on its platform. Also, with innovations encrypts user data at rest and in transit to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. VK conducts regular security audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities in its systems. As a result of these efforts, VKontakte has a strong track record of security and has been recognized for its commitment to protecting user data. The company's cybersecurity innovations have also helped to create a more secure digital infrastructure, which benefits the entire industry and society.

VKontakte is committed to providing a safe and inclusive online environment for all users. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to combat cyberbullying, online harassment, and hate speech. These initiatives include user reporting system; automated content moderation; human moderation.

VK's safe internet initiatives have helped to create a more inclusive and respectful online community. The company's efforts to address online harms have also contributed to a more secure and equitable digital landscape.

Vkontakte's innovations in cybersecurity and safe internet have had a significant impact on the overall implementation of SDG 9. The company's commitment to protecting user data, combating online harms, and promoting digital safety has helped to create a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future.

Business benefit

In today's rapidly evolving world, businesses are constantly seeking new ways to enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth. Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation, offers a compelling framework for businesses to achieve these goals.

For companies like VK, embracing SDG 9 principles can translate into significant benefits.

Firstly, it helps to enhance efficiency and productivity by investing in innovative technologies and infrastructure, so VK can streamline processes, optimize resource utilization, and reduce operational costs, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

Secondly, accelerate Innovation capacity by encouraging businesses to foster a culture of innovation and the development of new products, services, and business models that can differentiate VK from competitors and drive growth. Also SDG 9 helps to expand market access and reach by promoting the development of reliable infrastructure, including transportation networks, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation mechanisms, enabling VK to reach new markets and expand its customer base.

Moreover, VK is strengthening workforce and talent attraction by supporting education and training initiatives, contributing to a skilled and qualified workforce, which is essential for VK to attract and retain top talent.

In addition, VK can enhance brand reputation and social impact by building a positive corporate image and attract socially responsible customers, further enhancing its brand reputation and social impact.

By embracing SDG 9 principles and implementing these strategic initiatives, VK can position itself for long-term sustainable growth, enhanced competitiveness, and a positive impact on society. VK's commitment to following global goals is an inspiration to other companies around the world. The company is showing that it is possible to use technology to make a positive impact on society and that businesses have a responsibility to do so.

Social and environmental benefit

VK innovations benefit both society and the environment.

Millions of users are provided with diversified number of services that support their everyday life as well as businesses. People feel more secured knowing that VK cares about privacy of the personal data and flourishing of the society in general. 2 174 326 items of content concerning child pornography, 43 659 709 items concerning the spread of drugs and many other destructive items of content were blocked by VK in 2022. In addition, the company financially and technologically supports many non-profit organizations that helps people to live better life.

VK quickly replaces outdated and used equipment using the services of organizations specializing in the disposal of IT equipment. Over the past five years, VK has not received fines or sanctions for non-compliance with environmental legislation.

The company considers environmental activities as an integral part of business and takes the necessary measures to minimize the impact on the environment. VK's environmental approach is based on the following principles reflected in VK's Sustainable Development Policy:

• responsible attitude to the impact that VK has on the environment;

• efficient use of electricity, heat and fuel;

• compliance with the requirements, norms, obligations established by the legislation of the Russian Federation and ratified by international treaties in the field of environmental protection, environmental management and environmental safety applicable to the activities of VK;

• openness and accessibility of information about VK's impact on the environment for all stakeholders;

• development of the environmental culture of VK employees.

Acting within the framework of these principles allowas VK not only to fulfil the 9th goal and others but to integrate an environmental approach into educational and B2B products, cloud storage, the Internet of Things and other projects that systematically reduce the digital footprint of VK users and partners.

Interview

Ksenia Toporkova, Head of Sustainable Development