A Moscow court has fined Apple $93,000 for allegedly distributing LGBTQ+ content on its streaming platform, marking the tech giant’s first penalty under Russia’s harsh anti-LGBTQ laws

Russia has long criticized LGBTQ visibility as a threat to its conservative national identity, and now, that rhetoric is turning into sweeping legal action against the biggest tech giant in the world. A Moscow court has imposed a fine of 7.5 million rubles (approximately $93,500) on Apple Distribution International Ltd., a subsidiary of the US giant Apple, for violating Russia's laws against "LGBTQ propaganda."

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The case against Apple

The Tagansky District Court found Apple guilty of three separate administrative offenses, each carrying a fine of 2.5 million rubles, although the company has not publicly commented on the ruling.

The case stems from the distribution of content on Apple's platforms that Russian authorities deemed to promote non-traditional sexual relationships and marks Apple’s first penalty under the anti‑LGBTQ law.

Though the company has previously faced fines for not removing banned content even after Russian authorities’ interference, most recently an 800,000 rouble penalty in January 2024 for retaining Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” in its Books app

While specific details of the violations remain undisclosed, the court sessions were closed to the public as the company requested this confidentiality.

This ruling aligns with Russia's broader crackdown on LGBTQ rights, which includes classifying the international LGBTQ movement as extremist and banning its promotion.

History of penalties in Russia

This fine adds to a series of penalties Apple has faced in Russia for not removing content deemed illegal under Russian law.

A Moscow court fined Apple 3.6 million rubles in November 2024 for refusing to delete two podcasts that allegedly contained information aimed at destabilizing Russia's political situation.

Russian hostility towards the LGBTQ community

The Russian government's stance on LGBTQ issues has drawn international criticism.

The law of 2023 banning "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships" among minors was later extended to all age groups in 2022. In 2023, the government introduced an AI program to scan the internet for illegal content, including "LGBTQ propaganda."

Under Part 3 of Article 6.21 of the Administrative Violations Code, organizations can be fined up to 4 million roubles or face a 90‑day suspension of operations for any perceived promotion of “non‑traditional” lifestyles.

International reaction

Human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over Russia's escalating actions against LGBTQ+ individuals and groups. The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the Supreme Court's extremist designation, warning that it could lead to increased discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ people in Russia.