The liter service is updating its catalog to align with a new regulation that limits LGBT propaganda. Authors are being asked to revise their texts before they can appear again in the catalog. This approach was described by Evgeny Selivanov, who leads the content development division within the liter group of companies.
The process starts with notifying authors that their works may be screened for LGBT-related content. It is clarified that both the sales platform and the rights holders bear responsibility if any violations are found. In practice, content flagged for potential issues will undergo a joint review by the distributor and rights holders to confirm that promotional material complies with current legal standards.
<p Selivanov noted that if an author does not respond to the notification, the company will proceed with its own analysis of the text and decide whether to move forward with listing the book on the site. This emphasis on timely evaluation highlights the need to adapt to a shifting regulatory landscape and reinforces the platform’s commitment to staying compliant.
According to the executive, some titles are already unavailable for purchase due to their content. He acknowledged the lack of transparent criteria in the new law and mentioned that the service has consulted with legal professionals and prepared a practical action plan based on their guidance. The plan seeks to balance marketplace accessibility with risk management as interpretations of the law evolve.
On December 5, the Russian president signed a law restricting LGBT propaganda. The statute imposes penalties for disseminating information or organizing public actions that promote LGBT relations, including promoting gender reassignment for Russian citizens. Fines can reach up to 100,000 rubles for individuals, up to 200,000 rubles for officials, and up to 1 million rubles for legal entities. When such content is promoted online or through media channels, the maximum penalties rise to as much as 5 million rubles. The measures frame state policy on family and social norms, with enforcement extending into digital and traditional channels.
Observers note that the law broadens the scope for enforcement, potentially affecting a wide range of cultural and literary content. Rights holders and distributors are urged to interpret the statute with caution and implement rigorous internal reviews before sale or publication. The goal is to prevent material that could be interpreted as endorsing nontraditional gender identities or LGBT lifestyles from entering the market while ensuring fair treatment of authors who may be challenged under evolving guidelines.
Industry voices highlight the challenge of translating broad regulatory language into clear editorial standards. The stated aim is to protect minors and reinforce family values, yet practitioners warn of ambiguity that can affect legitimate artistic expression. In this environment, publishers and platforms are increasingly seeking legal clarity and transparent procedures to minimize misinterpretation while safeguarding freedom of expression within the law. For readers, this means a marketplace where curatorial decisions are explained and justified, and where content removed or restricted is accompanied by clear rationale and process notes.
As the regulatory environment evolves, stakeholders including authors, editors, platform operators, and rights holders are encouraged to engage in ongoing dialogue. The collaboration aims to align editorial practices with legal requirements while preserving access to diverse viewpoints within policy limits. The balance sought aims to protect cultural norms without stifling legitimate literary activity and reflects a broader effort to harmonize publishing with state guidelines in the digital age.