Blocking of Fanfiction Sites as an Attack on the Queer Community
1On July 12, 2024, Russia’s media watchdog Roskomnadzor blocked the largest Russian-language fanfiction website, Ficbook, over the alleged distribution of content containing “LGBT propaganda.” The agency had repeatedly demanded the removal of banned material from the site. According to Roskomnadzor, however, the site’s administrators merely relocated the content to other pages rather than removing it entirely.
In response to the ban, Ficbook’s administration announced it would hide sections featuring LGBTQ+ content—such as “Slash” and “Femslash”—from Russian users. This measure was intended to comply with Russian law and restore access to the main platform.
Nevertheless, Roskomnadzor stated that prohibited content remains on the site, and therefore there is no basis for lifting the block.
Founded in 2009, Ficbook is the largest Russian-language platform for publishing fanfiction, original stories, and literary analysis. The site is maintained by the Latvian company SIA Breakpoint and attracts over 100 million views monthly.
The blocking of Ficbook follows the Russian Supreme Court’s November 2023 ruling, which labeled the “International LGBT Movement” as an extremist organization and banned its activities in the country. Since then, publishing LGBTQ+ content has become grounds for blocking websites and prosecuting their owners.
Despite efforts to comply with the law, Ficbook remains inaccessible in Russia, and its administrators continue to seek ways to resolve the situation.
In response to the ban, Ficbook’s administration announced it would hide sections featuring LGBTQ+ content—such as “Slash” and “Femslash”—from Russian users. This measure was intended to comply with Russian law and restore access to the main platform.
Nevertheless, Roskomnadzor stated that prohibited content remains on the site, and therefore there is no basis for lifting the block.
Founded in 2009, Ficbook is the largest Russian-language platform for publishing fanfiction, original stories, and literary analysis. The site is maintained by the Latvian company SIA Breakpoint and attracts over 100 million views monthly.
The blocking of Ficbook follows the Russian Supreme Court’s November 2023 ruling, which labeled the “International LGBT Movement” as an extremist organization and banned its activities in the country. Since then, publishing LGBTQ+ content has become grounds for blocking websites and prosecuting their owners.
Despite efforts to comply with the law, Ficbook remains inaccessible in Russia, and its administrators continue to seek ways to resolve the situation.