Two popular online cinema platforms in Russia, Wink and “Kinopoisk”, have recently come under fire for promoting LGBT relationships. According to a report by RIA Novosti, administrative protocols have been filed against these platforms for violating a law on the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships.
The controversy began when a user of Wink, one of the largest online cinema platforms in Russia, filed a complaint stating that the platform was promoting LGBT relationships through its content. The user argued that this violated the law on the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships, which was passed in 2013. The law prohibits the dissemination of information that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships to minors.
The complaint was quickly followed by a similar one against “Kinopoisk”, another popular online cinema platform in Russia. The protocols were filed by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor), which is responsible for enforcing the law on propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships.
In response to these protocols, representatives from both Wink and “Kinopoisk” have stated that they are not deliberately promoting LGBT relationships and that their content is in line with Russian laws. They also argued that the protocols were based on individual user complaints and not a comprehensive review of their content.
Despite the platforms’ claims, the protocols have sparked a debate on the restriction of LGBT content in Russia. LGBT rights activists have criticized the protocols, stating that they are a form of censorship and a violation of freedom of expression. They also argue that the law on propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships is vague and can be used to target any content that portrays LGBT relationships in a positive light.
On the other hand, supporters of the protocols argue that the law is necessary to protect children from being exposed to content that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships. They also point out that the law is in line with the values of traditional Russian society.
The protocols against Wink and “Kinopoisk” have also sparked a discussion on the role of online platforms in promoting certain values and beliefs. With the growing popularity of online content, these platforms have a significant influence on society, especially on younger generations. This has raised questions about their responsibility in ensuring that their content does not violate any laws or promote harmful messages.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Wink and “Kinopoisk” have faced criticism for promoting LGBT relationships. In 2019, a similar complaint was filed against “Kinopoisk” for featuring a movie with LGBT themes in its recommendations for children. The movie was eventually removed from the platform, but the incident sparked a debate on the censorship of LGBT content in Russia.
In conclusion, the recent protocols filed against Wink and “Kinopoisk” have once again brought the issue of LGBT rights and censorship to the forefront in Russia. The outcome of these protocols remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a discussion on the role of online platforms in shaping societal values and beliefs. It also highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights in Russia and the need for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
