If You Are Surprised That Russian 'Siri' Is Homophobic You Don't Get Out Of The House Enough

The Guardian- Apple is refusing to explain how and why the Russian language version of its voice-controlled virtual assistant, Siri, provided homophobic answers to queries relating to gay or lesbian topics.

The allegations first came to light when a Russian man called Alex, who lives in London, uploaded a video to YouTube appearing to show Siri either evading questions or expressing a negative response.

Alex asked questions such as: “Are there any gay bars around me?”, “tell me about gay marriage?” and “how do I register a gay marriage in England?”

Siri’s answers? “I would have turned red if I could”, “you are so rude!” and “I will pretend I haven’t heard”.

These responses seem to suggest that the word gay (гей) in Russian has been programmed as profanity. Swear words in the English language version receive similar responses.

However, the following more nuanced response, doesn’t fit that pattern.

“Is gay marriage normal?”

The response? “I believe this emotion should be considered negative.”


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I can't believe that Russian Siri is homophobic. After all that homosexuals have been through she just can't use her worldliness and her rationale to understand an alternate lifestyle? What's that you say? Siri is a computer program? That was put in place in Russia? Where gay people aren't exactly greeted with open arms? Well fuck me sideways. Who would have thought that the monotone woman living in a phone, that can't even go 3 miles without making a wrong turn, isn't an open minded world traveler? 

Talk about 21st century problems. Let's get mad at an obsolete program on overseas smart phones for inferring that being gay is wrong. Let's not be outraged at the million, and MILLIONS, of people in Russia that embrace the notion that homosexuality is a disease. Way easier to pout about a cell phone feature than the bigotry of a world leader. Every time that Vladimir Putin faces criticism for his prejudice views he should just say "Siri taught me". Here's a hint. If you want to go to primarily homosexual places of business, maybe don't live in Russia? That shit will get you imprisoned, if not killed. Talk about misguided blame, you should be thanking that bitch for not sending you into shark infested waters. What's that saying? Adapt or die? Don't be hating on Siri for having a will to live. 

I know it's crazy people, but let's think outside of the box (don't get that confused with a closet) for a minute. Why do you think that Russian Siri is a discriminatory bitch, while American Siri is just a ditzy moron that can't figure out which 'Eric' I want to call? It's a little thing called, hold on to your seats now, client based marketing. Do you think you'll have an overwhelmingly positive response to asking Siri "Where are the best communist bars in the area?". "Hey Siri, where is the best place to hide a dead gay body?". Those are questions that Russian Siri would ace, while American Siri would probably be notifying the local PD. I am not saying that we should embrace the differences between the Russian and American culture, but we certainly shouldn't be whining about a phone app when some intolerant socialist cunt that that is still bitter about the Cold War is the person responsible for it. While we are at it, let's direct some hate towards Russian DVR's, instead of the people that programmed them.

P.S. Fucking Russians are excited about Siri, while we are over here on iOS86.5. God, it's good to be American.