A significant development has emerged from Russia, where the federal agency responsible for monitoring media, Roskomnadzor (RKN), has initiated an investigation into the language learning application Duolingo. The inquiry stems from allegations that Duolingo has been disseminating content that promotes LGBT identities, a move that marks the latest in a series of actions targeting LGBT rights within the country. This investigation follows a controversial ruling by Russia’s supreme court, which labeled the non-existent “international public LGBT movement” as extremist.
A History of Censorship and Homophobia
For nearly a decade, Russia has been notorious for its stringent laws against the LGBT community. Starting with the prohibition of “gay propaganda” in 2013 to the recent ban on gender-affirming procedures in 2023, the Russian government has consistently attacked LGBT rights. Duolingo, with its global reach teaching over 40 languages to millions, has now found itself in the crosshairs of this ongoing crackdown. The trigger for this investigation was a complaint by Radetel, a Novosibirsk-based “human rights” group, which claimed that Duolingo’s inclusion of LGBT-related content was detrimental to children. This accusation was based on specific language exercises found in the app that included words like “lesbian” and “gay.”
Duolingo’s Stance on Inclusivity
In response to the allegations and subsequent investigation, Duolingo has publicly affirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The platform has been praised for its efforts to represent a wide array of characters and stories within its lessons, including those from the LGBT community. By showcasing queer people in everyday situations, Duolingo aims to normalize these representations and reflect the diversity of its user base. The language app’s approach is founded on the belief that diversity and representation are crucial, not just for the sake of inclusivity but also to ensure that learners worldwide can see themselves reflected in the content.