Russia’s VK social media platform now labels communities with alleged LGBT content

VK, Russia’s own social media network, is now placing a special warning plaque on communities which can contain so-called LGBT content, TASS noted.

When users attempt to open a community page that includes LGBT-themed topics and materials, the following warning comes up: “The community may contain controversial materials. Some materials of the community can be regarded as unacceptable in accordance with Russian law.”

The platform came forward to explain its new warnings. It is noted that this special plaque will be only seen by users in Russia.

VK cited several federal laws on information, protection of children from harmful information and others to justify the move. “Moreover, the Russian Code on Administrative Offences also sets out liability for ‘propaganda and justification of non-traditional sexual relationships’,” VK notes.

The VK administration also warned that “failing to comply with the laws may result in VK being blocked” in Russia. The social media platform will now limit access to the pages banned in the country by courts.

“We cannot be certain which content will be banned in specific states. We believe that the demonstration of the interface warning is enough to protect users within the legal framework and believe that blocking pages outright is a step too far,” VK adds.

On 5 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law to ban all “LGBT propaganda” in Russia. The bill prohibits “propaganda” of “non-traditional” relations, pedophilia, and gender reassignment online, in the media, books, cinema, and ads.

The crackdown on LGBT rights saw several chain bookstores taking some books that depict “non-traditional relations” off their shelves, while Russia’s LitRes e-book library will follow in their steps.