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AST Recalls Stephen King’s ‘It’ in Russia, Launches AI Review

An internal assessment will determine compliance steps under Russian rules on depictions of non‑traditional relationships.

Overview

  • AST chief executive Tatyana Gorskaya said a batch of the novel was recalled after complaints that it conflicts with current legislation.
  • The Russian Book Union carried out a preliminary expert check in response to the complaints.
  • Major marketplaces, including the Wildberries–Russ group, removed listings, and copies have also disappeared from some bookstore shelves.
  • AST is conducting its own expertise using newly adopted AI tools, with human experts responsible for the final conclusions.
  • Possible outcomes include applying legally required marking or, if serious issues are confirmed, seeking rights‑holder approval to edit, and no nationwide ban has been announced.