A popular Russian streaming site, Ivi, was recently fined 1 million roubles ($11,105) by a Moscow court for failing to apply the appropriate age rating to a movie that referenced LGBT relationships. The court found that the site had labeled the Italian comedy “Perfect Strangers” as suitable for viewers aged 16 and above, in violation of Russia’s strict laws prohibiting the promotion of “non-traditional” relationships to children.
Russia has strengthened its anti-LGBT laws, empowering authorities to levy fines against individuals or organizations that promote homosexuality publicly, online, or through various forms of media, including films, books, and advertising. The legislation has created confusion among streaming sites, as policing content requires exhaustive scrutiny of hours of footage to ensure compliance with the new rules.
The case against Ivi was initiated by the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, without prior warning, according to a source familiar with the matter. This incident is part of a larger trend, with more than a dozen streaming sites in Russia reportedly facing fines or threats of penalties this year for featuring LGBT content without an appropriate 18+ rating, as reported by the RIA news agency.
Ivi has responded to the ruling by stating that it will carefully examine the court’s decision before deciding whether to appeal. The company also emphasized its commitment to proactively label its content to ensure compliance with regulations. However, the stricter restrictions in Russia continue to draw criticism from rights groups, who argue that these laws aim to suppress and eradicate the presence of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT) in public life.
Russian lawmakers defend the legislation, asserting that it is necessary to safeguard society from what they perceive as morally corrupt “Western values.” As the debate over anti-LGBT laws and censorship in Russia intensifies, there are growing concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and the rights of the LGBT community.