Russia could be investigating Apple over 'gay propaganda' because of emoji

Claims from local media in Russia allege that the Russian police are investigating Apple for illegally 'promoting homosexuality' with their set of LGBT emoji.

Apparently, officials in Russia's Kirov region launched a case after worries that Apple was breaking the law were raised by a local lawyer.

The lawyer Yaroslav Mikhailov argues that Apple's emoji break the law, which states that organisations are not allowed to promote homosexuality to minors.

The new Emojis came with Apple’s iOS 8.3 mobile operating system, as well as later versions.

They depict people who appear to be of the same gender exchanging kisses and holding hands.

If Apple's emojis depicting same-sex couples and families violate Russia’s law, Apple will face a fine ranging from 800,000 to 1 million rubles (£8,000 to £10,000).

Apple could also be suspended in Russia for up to three months if found guilty.

This isn't the first time Apple has been under fire because of Russia's anti-LGBT stance.

Last year, legislator Vitaly Milonov suggested that Apple products should be banned in Russia because they are produced by a company headed by an openly gay CEO – Tim Cook.

Another member of Russian government complained about the automatically-downloaded U2 album which was distributed among Apple users as a 'gift' for upgrading to a new iOs system.

This isn't for the same reason that many people complained - Aleksandr Starovoitov argued that the U2 album, Songs of Innocence, was 'gay propaganda' and promoted same-sex relations between men.