Russia moves to ban Game of Thrones and Harry Potter franchise for allegedly pushing a ‘childfree ideology’
Russia is turning its attention to major Western entertainment franchises like Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, and even Harry Potter in a new attempt to crack down on what it labels the spread of “childfree ideology.”
This latest move follows the country’s recent legislation outlawing what state-affiliated media call the “public propaganda of the ideas of voluntarily choosing not to have children.” The policy shift is unfolding as Russia continues to confront a serious demographic crisis, with President Vladimir Putin intensifying efforts to encourage women to bear more children.
For years, the country has seen its birth rate tumble, a trend made worse by the ongoing war in Ukraine, where thousands have died or fled to avoid military conscription. The long-term implications are stark: some projections suggest Russia’s population could drop to around 132 million in just two decades. Even more alarming, the United Nations has warned that in a worst-case scenario, Russia’s population could be cut nearly in half—falling to 83 million by the end of the century, according to a report.
Set to take effect on September 1, the directive from Roskomnadzor—Russia’s telecommunications watchdog—will begin enforcing the ban on “childfree ideology,” according to reports from local media. The Parliamentary Newspaper, the official outlet of the Russian Federal Assembly, wrote that any films containing content that promotes this ideology “will not receive distribution certificates.”
“Administrators of digital platforms, including social networks and online cinemas, must promptly remove illegal content,” the outlet stated. “The dissemination of the ideology of conscious refusal to have children in the media, the Internet, films and advertising is prohibited in Russia.”
This essentially means any media that portrays voluntary childlessness in a favorable light, even indirectly, could be subject to removal or bans. The criteria include messaging that “encourages or justifies the refusal to have children,” makes childlessness appear more advantageous, or presents it as socially equivalent to having children. Additionally, content that depicts parenthood negatively or promotes a positive image of being childfree is considered prohibited.
Among the content that could be targeted are globally beloved series such as Sex and the City, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Harry Potter. “Even in the harmless Harry Potter saga, as it seems to us, one can find a hint of childfree [ideology]: Professor McGonagall did not have children. However, it is unknown whether this was a conscious choice or something did not work out,” the publication noted.
The demographic outlook has grown dire. A top Russian population expert recently revealed that the country’s birth rate has reached a historic low—comparable to levels from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The government has responded with various measures, including limiting access to contraception and abortion and even proposing incentives for pregnant women. In 2023, State Duma member Valery Seleznyov suggested releasing certain female prisoners so they could contribute to the birth rate.
When the law passed in September 2024, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated, “Without children, there will be no country.” The United Russia party echoed this, saying, “The bill banning propaganda of childfree [ideology] was submitted to the State Duma.”
One of the bill’s co-authors, Elvira Aitkulova, a member of the State Duma Committee on Education, said, “This is about the propaganda of childfree ideology, but not about the lifestyle and choices of each individual.”
Under the new policy, individuals who breach the law could be fined up to 400,000 rubles (approximately $5,000). Government officials could face penalties of up to 800,000 rubles (around $10,000), while companies might be fined up to 5 million rubles, or roughly $62,300.
Sources:
https://united24media.com/latest-news/russias-new-ban-on-child-free-content-puts-game-of-thrones-and-harry-potter-on-the-chopping-block-8479
https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2025/05/19/russia-mulls-banning-harry-potter-and-game-of-thrones-over-child-free-propaganda-en-news
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