The digital landscape faced a significant shift as Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, was blocked in Russia. The move comes amidst claims from Russian authorities that the game propagates “LGBT propaganda,” raising concerns over its impact on children.
Roblox Banned in Russia
According to reports, Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, has restricted access to Roblox, affecting its availability to Russian users. The decision was justified by the watchdog as a measure against “inappropriate content” that may harm the spiritual and moral upbringing of children.
Roblox, boasting over 151.1 million daily active players, offers numerous user-generated gaming experiences. Successful titles like Grow a Garden and Steal a Brainrot have drawn more players than many games on other platforms. However, it’s uncertain which specific content on Roblox triggered the Russian government’s action, though the country has recently intensified its stance on LGBT-related content.
Response and Global Context
In a statement, Roblox emphasized its commitment to safety and compliance with local regulations. “We respect the local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation, and meaningful connection for everyone.” The company maintains a robust safety framework to prevent harmful content on its platform.
This isn’t an isolated incident, as other countries like Iraq and Turkey have also restricted Roblox due to child safety concerns. The platform, primarily frequented by users under 18, has been under scrutiny and is enhancing its safety features in response to rising player numbers and incidents involving inappropriate adult interactions.
Safety Measures and Legal Challenges
Recently, Roblox introduced facial age verification for chat functionalities, aiming to curb interactions between minors and adults. This initiative followed a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging that Roblox “deceives parents” and disregards child safety laws.