On May 19, 2025, the Tagansky District Court in Moscow imposed a fine of 7.5 million rubles (approximately $93,500) on Apple Distribution International Ltd., a subsidiary of the U.S. technology giant Apple Inc. The court found Apple guilty of three administrative violations related to Russia’s stringent laws against the promotion of LGBTQ+ content. Each violation resulted in a fine of 2.5 million rubles.
The specific details of the violations were not disclosed, as Apple requested that the court sessions be closed to the public. Consequently, the exact nature of the content deemed offensive remains unclear. As of now, Apple has not issued a public statement regarding the court’s decision.
This legal action is part of a broader crackdown by Russian authorities on LGBTQ+ rights and expressions. In 2023, Russia expanded its laws to prohibit the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations among all age groups, effectively banning any public endorsement or positive representation of LGBTQ+ identities. President Vladimir Putin has framed these measures as a defense against what he describes as Western moral decline.
The Russian government’s intensified efforts have led to various penalties against individuals and organizations. For instance, in early 2024, several individuals faced fines or jail time for displaying rainbow-colored items, which authorities interpreted as symbols of the LGBTQ+ movement. Additionally, in December 2023, Google was fined over $50 million for allegedly hosting extremist LGBTQ+ content on YouTube.
Apple has previously faced scrutiny under Russian laws. In April 2025, the company was charged with spreading LGBT propaganda due to the inclusion of a rainbow flag wallpaper in its iOS 18 update. If found guilty in that case, Apple could face a fine of up to 4 million rubles.
These developments underscore the challenges faced by international technology companies operating in Russia, as they navigate a complex legal landscape that increasingly targets LGBTQ+ content and expression.
