Apple Fined $93K in Russia Over LGBTQ+ Content on Streaming Platform

JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics — U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. has been hit with a 7.5 million ruble fine (approx. $93,000 USD) by a Russian court for allegedly violating the country’s controversial LGBTQ+ propaganda laws.

The Tagansky District Court in Moscow ruled that Apple Distribution International Ltd. committed three administrative offenses under Part 3 of Article 6.21 of Russia’s Administrative Offenses Code. This law prohibits the “promotion of non-traditional sexual relations and preferences”, including gender reassignment and child-free ideology, particularly through digital content.

According to a statement released via Telegram by court officials, the fine amounts to over $30,000 per violation.

The case stems from content distributed via Apple’s streaming platform, believed to be a  television series that featured scenes interpreted by Russian authorities as promoting LGBTQ+  relationships, reported business outlet RBK, citing Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal media regulator

Closed-Door Hearing and Growing Repression

The hearing was conducted behind closed doors, citing confidentiality surrounding Apple’s internal communications and service information. No additional details were made public by either the court or Apple representatives.

Russia has significantly tightened its anti-LGBTQ+ legislation over the last decade. A 2013 law banned the dissemination of LGBTQ-related content to minors. This was expanded in 2022 to include adult audiences. In 2023, the Kremlin went further, officially labeling the LGBTQ movement as a terrorist organization, escalating concerns among human rights advocates and digital rights groups.

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Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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