Apple Under Scrutiny for so-called “Gay Emojis”
Russian authorities are investigating Apple for potential violations of the country’s anti-gay propaganda laws after a recent update to the company’s iOS operating system included emojis depicting same sex parents, gay pride flags and other LGBT themes. Under the controversial laws, Apple could be fined as much as $15,000 and, even worse, the company’s activities could be suspended there. Authorities are currently waiting on expert analysis of the emojis in question, and a determination of whether they violate the anti-gay laws, before filing official charges. Russia’s anti-gay policies have been under scrutiny in recent months. Requests for comment have gone unanswered by Russian officials and a spokesman at Apple’s Moscow headquarters.
