Roskomnadzor has identified online cinemas that faced penalties for distributing LGBT-themed performances and for mislabeling content with age restrictions. This action reflects the agency’s ongoing vigilance over media content and the need to ensure that information accessible online aligns with established safety and age-pinning rules. The reporting from DEA News notes that these measures form part of a broader enforcement effort aimed at curbing materials deemed inappropriate for certain audiences.
In aggregate terms, Roskomnadzor prepared a total of 32 administrative protocols connected to the distribution of films that depicted LGBT subjects with an age tag of 16+, signaling a strong stance on how such content is presented to viewers and the potential consequences for diversity in media labeling.
The enforcement activity involved legal entities that operate major online services, including Movix, Peers.TV, Tricolor Kino and TV online, Wink, Okko, PREMIER, Megafon TV, START, Kinopoisk, More.tv, Ivi, and Beeline TV. The protocols targeted both the platforms themselves and the officials associated with these services, illustrating a comprehensive approach to accountability across corporate and individual levels.
As a result of the actions, Tricolor Cinema and TV online faced a fine of 1 million rubles for the legal entity, while Peers.TV was fined 1 million rubles for an official, accompanied by a separate 100 thousand rubles assessment in relation to PREMIER for the official and a 4 million rubles fine in connection with the legal entity. These penalties underscore the seriousness with which the regulator views age labeling and the distribution of content that involves LGBT themes within the specified age categories.
The events on June 20 included Kinopoisk drafting a protocol for mislabeling LGBT content. This protocol was submitted to the Moscow Zamoskvorechsky District Court, and its preparation drew on Part 2 of Article 6.12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The provision outlines responsibility for disseminating information that depicts unconventional sexual relations among minors or that might influence a minor’s attitudes toward gender identity. The decision to move forward with the case reflects the regulatory framework’s emphasis on safeguarding minors from content perceived as potentially influential or inappropriate within the local legal context. The ongoing process signals continued vigilance and potential further action should content creators and platforms fail to comply with labeling requirements.
Analysts note that the Roskomnadzor campaign illustrates how government authorities balance cultural norms with media freedom, and how enforcement signals can affect both large streaming platforms and smaller online services. Observers also point to the evolving landscape of digital media governance, where age verification, content classification, and platform responsibility intersect with legal standards, consumer protection, and public policy. The situation highlights the importance for operators to maintain transparent labeling practices and to implement robust internal review processes to prevent misclassification and ensure compliance with the statutory framework. In this environment, platforms are urged to adopt consistent practices that align with regulatory expectations while preserving user trust and accessibility for legally permissible content.
Ultimately, the enforcement actions convey a clear message: mislabeling and improper distribution of age-restricted LGBT content can lead to significant penalties for both corporate entities and their officials. While the measures may appear stringent, they are part of a broader effort to clarify the boundaries of content accessibility for younger audiences and to promote responsible content management across the online entertainment ecosystem. Stakeholders are advised to monitor regulatory developments closely and to align their content moderation and labeling procedures with current legal requirements to minimize risk and ensure ongoing compliance with the rules governing information dissemination.