Language learning app Duolingo has deleted LGBT references in Russia, what Moscow calls “ non-traditional sexual relations ,” after being warned by the Russian communications regulator about publishing LGBT content labeled “ extremism .”
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Russia last year expanded restrictions on the promotion of what it calls LGBT propaganda amid a broader crackdown on LGBT rights, which President Vladimir Putin has sought to portray as evidence of moral decline in Western countries.
Roskomnadzor , Russia's communications regulator, sent a letter to Duolingo, warning it not to publish material that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships and LGBT propaganda .
"We support LGBTQ+ rights and believe in normalizing LGBTQ+ representation in our content," a Duolingo spokesperson said.
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«Unfortunately, local laws prohibit us from including certain content in Russia. Duolingo's mission is to expand access to quality education around the world, and we are committed to maintaining access to product wherever it is legal.».
Russia has labeled the “ LGBT movement ” as extremist and those who support it as terrorists, paving the way for serious criminal cases against LGBT people and their supporters, which is why Duolingo received this warning.
"The Duolingo company sent a letter to Roskomnadzor in response, in which it confirmed that it had deleted material promoting non-traditional sexual relations from its educational application," Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
Russian courts have imposed fines for those violating the “LGBT propaganda” law, including online film distributors and executives, and apparently language learning platforms like Duolingo.
See also: Russia: Oculus scans the internet “for extremist content”
Duolingo is a popular language learning platform that uses interactive lessons to help users learn new languages. The app offers lessons in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and many more. Each lesson is designed to keep the user engaged through games, quizzes, and rewards, making learning a new language fun and accessible. In addition, Duolingo provides targeted practice in different skills, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Source: CNN
