Duolingo, the language learning app, is currently facing an investigation in Russia led by Roskomnadzor, the country’s media watchdog. The scrutiny is centered around allegations that Duolingo is spreading what is deemed as “LGBT propaganda” through its practice materials, which reportedly include references to the LGBTQ+ community.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by Radetel, a human rights group based in Novosibirsk, Russia. The nature of the complaint and the specific content within Duolingo’s learning materials that triggered the accusations have not been explicitly detailed in the available information.
It’s important to note that Russia has enacted laws against the promotion of what it considers to be “non-traditional sexual relationships,” and authorities have used these laws to crack down on LGBTQ+ rights and expression. The investigation into Duolingo aligns with the broader context of the Russian government’s stance on these issues.
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Duolingo responds to the allegations and how the investigation by Russian authorities progresses. The case highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when technology and educational platforms operate in regions with diverse cultural and legal perspectives.
According to reports, Radetel, an organization that claims to uphold “public morality, culture, and traditional values,” has raised concerns about Duolingo, asserting that the language learning app is not suitable for children. The basis of their objection is the inclusion of references to the LGBTQ+ community in Duolingo’s content.
This controversy is unfolding in the context of Russia’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws. These laws have become increasingly restrictive over the years. As reported by Novaya Gazeta, Russia implemented a ban on gender-affirming procedures starting from 2023. Additionally, the country has been actively censoring what it terms “LGBTQ+ propaganda” since 2013. The term “propaganda” in this context refers to any material or information that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships, as per the perspective of Russian authorities.
The situation underscores the clash between global platforms, such as Duolingo, and the regulatory environment in certain countries with conservative or restrictive views on LGBTQ+ issues. It raises questions about the extent to which international companies can navigate and adhere to diverse cultural and legal norms while providing educational services. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions will likely have implications for how technology and educational platforms engage with these sensitive topics in different regions.
Duolingo Affirms Open Depiction of LGBTQ+ Lives in Everyday Scenarios
Duolingo, a widely-used language learning app with a user base surpassing 60 million worldwide, has openly acknowledged including LGBTQ+ characters and narratives in its lessons. This incorporation is part of the app’s efforts, as reported by Pink News, to present “everyday depictions of LGBTQ+ life” in a manner that is portrayed as normal and not sensationalized. The intention appears to be to provide a more inclusive and diverse representation in the educational content offered by the app.
This investigation was initiated following a complaint from Radetel, a human rights group based in Novosibirsk, Russia, that contends Duolingo is unsuitable for children due to its LGBTQ+ references. As of now, the outcome of the investigation remains unknown. Duolingo’s representatives have not issued any comments on this matter, leaving the app’s future status in Russia and its ability to navigate the country’s regulatory landscape uncertain. The situation highlights the challenges faced by international platforms as they navigate diverse cultural, legal, and societal norms in different regions.