The global software company Adobe makes money from the sale of pro-Russian images on Adobe Stock. The list of images includes maps of Ukraine without Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the “flags” of territories recently annexed by Russia during the full-scale war against Ukraine.
This was reported by user Maksym Filipenko on his page on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Maps of Ukraine with annexed territories. Images here and further: Adobe StockOlga Kim's sick fantasy
Searching for the word “Donetsk” on Adobe Stock brings up dozens of images of the flags and symbols of the so-called “Donetsk People's Republic”. This puppet structure was created by the Russian occupiers in 2014, and its leaders are under Western sanctions.
Image of the symbol “DNR”
Adobe does not directly disclose creator data on its platform. However, Cyrillic names and characteristic endings indicate that these are creators from Russia or the occupied territories. Moreover, according to the terms of the Adobe Stock Contributors bonus program, these authors receive 33% royalties.
Why is this important?
Despite the declaration of withdrawal from the Russian market, Adobe continues to deceive its customers, purposefully cooperating with creators from Russia. Earlier in 2023, it became known that Adobe automatically and free of charge extends licenses for Russian users. According to Russian media, the company did this “to maintain the loyalty and support of its users in a difficult period.”
In addition, these images would clearly violate the Adobe Stock Community Guidelines, as they depict flags and symbols of terrorist organizations. “Fun fact: you can't find an ISIS flag on Adobe Stock, or even a Nazi German flag,” says Maksym Filipenko.
