Russia fined Google over "LGBT propaganda" and "false information," and Councils in Australia called off drag storytime after far-right threats.

Country Fines Google Over 'LGBT Propaganda' and 'False Information'

A Russian court fined Alphabet's Google three million roubles for failing to delete YouTube videos that they said promoted “LGBT propaganda” and “false information” about Russia’s military campaign.

Over the last year, dozens of fines have been filed from Moscow against Western tech companies as part of a mission to control what Russian internet users see online.

Under a new law, Russia classifies any action or the spreading of any information that is considered an attempt to promote homosexuality in public, online, or in films, books or advertising, as “LGBT propaganda” and can result in a heavy fine.

It is not clear if Google plans on paying or resisting the order. 

Councils Call Off Drag Storytime in Victoria After Far-right Threats

Photo via Facebook.

Councils across Victoria have quietly canceled drag queen storytime and LGBT events following threats from far-right groups. Drag performer Dean Arcuri had four events canceled by the Boroondara council.

“They said they felt really bad about it [but said] ‘we just don’t feel like we can create the safe environment for people,’” said Arcuri.

According to Arcuri, after the Monash council canceled a drag storytime event scheduled for International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, the other councils got in touch and followed suit with the cancellations.

At least nine queer events have been canceled in the past six months all citing security threats from far-right fringe groups.