Reuters
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Language studying app Duolingo has deleted references in Russia to what Moscow calls “non-traditional sexual relations,” after being warned by Russia’s communication regulator about publishing LGBT content material classed as “extremism.”
Russia final 12 months widened restrictions on the promotion of what it calls LGBT propaganda amid a broader crackdown on LGBT rights, which President Vladimir Putin has sought to painting as proof of ethical decay in Western international locations.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communication regulator, had written to Duolingo, warning it towards publishing materials selling non-traditional sexual relations and LGBT propaganda.
“We help LGBTQ+ rights and imagine in normalizing LGBTQ+ illustration in our content material,” a Duolingo spokesperson mentioned.
“Sadly, native legal guidelines prohibit us from together with sure content material in Russia. Duolingo’s mission is to broaden entry to high quality training around the globe and we’re dedicated to sustaining entry to our product in every single place that’s authorized to take action.”
Russia has designated the “LGBT motion” as extremist and people supporting it as terrorists, paving the best way for severe legal circumstances towards LGBT folks and their advocates.
“The corporate Duolingo despatched Roskomnadzor a letter in response, by which it confirmed that it had deleted supplies selling non-traditional sexual relations from its coaching app,” Russian information companies quoted Roskomnadzor as saying on Tuesday.
Russian courts have issued fines for people who violate its “LGBT propaganda” legislation, together with on-line movie distributors and executives.