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Google has celebrated the launch of the Sochi Winter Olympics with a special doodle which takes a swipe at Russia's controversial laws on homosexuality.

The doodle - in rainbow colours - features figures taking part in some of the Winter Games' most high profile sports, including skiing, ice hockey, bobsleigh, and ice skating.

The rainbow flag has become a symbol of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in many countries across the world.

Underneath the search box is a quote from the Olympic Charter reading: ""The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."

The Sochi Games are being held under unprecedentedly tight security in the Russian resort - while President Vladimir Putin has come under fire ahead of the opening ceremony for the country's controversial laws on homosexuality.

Russia has banned the promotion of "non-traditional" sexuality - widely seen as an attack on gay rights.

Protesters have called on politicians and athletes to boycott the Sochi Games.

Russian security services are already on high alert for radical Islamic terrorists who have launched a campaign of suicide bombings in the area in recent weeks.

America’s Department of Homeland Security has even issued a warning to all US airlines with direct flights to Russia that bombs could be hidden in toothpaste and make-up carried by passengers.

The department did not say what had triggered the alert but the warning is believed to have been issued based on new information ahead of the start of the Olympics.

The opening ceremony is taking place today - follow live updates from our team below.