Planning to visit Russia? Watching a Russian movie? Or indulging in some other creative experiences? Well, you might just want to be careful about the language you use.
Swearing at arts, cultural and entertainment events in the country has been banned, CNN reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off on a new law Monday which dictates that foul language will not be allowed in films, books and music.
Any new film containing obscene language won't be granted a distribution certificate, so there's no chance of seeing it at the movie theater.
And copies of books, CDs or films containing swearing can only be distributed in a sealed package labeled "Contains obscene language," a Kremlin statement said.
While officials can be fined up to $40 and businesses nearly $1,400 for using foul language, individuals will be charged up to $70, according to state news agency ITAR-Tass.
"An independent examination" will be held to determine what would count as profane language, the news agency said.
According to the Kremlin, the legislation "bans the use of obscene language when ensuring the rights of Russian citizens to the use of the state language, and protecting and developing language culture."
The law could come into effect as soon as July 1, ITAR-Tass said, but it doesn't apply to cultural and artistic works that have already been issued, according to CNN.
Although the decision to ban foul language may be applauded by some, it does pose some serious restrictions.
Critics might see this as the latest step under Putin's leadership to limit freedom of expression and promote a conservative, nationalist viewpoint instead of an attempt to clean up the nation's language.
A report by rights group Amnesty International in January highlighted a denial of "basic freedoms" in Russia, which last year introduced a law barring anyone from talking positively about homosexuality in earshot of minors, according to CNN.
