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Russia Blocks Roblox Gaming Platform Over Alleged Extremist Content and LGBT Propaganda
Russian telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor has blocked access to Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, throughout the country. Officials cited the platform’s alleged failure to prevent the dissemination of materials promoting extremism, terrorism, and LGBT themes as the primary reason for the ban.
In a statement released Wednesday, Roskomnadzor claimed that Roblox contained “mass and repeated dissemination of materials with propaganda and justification of extremist and terrorist activities, calls for illegal actions of a violent nature and propaganda of LGBT topics.” The regulator specifically mentioned “rooms and platforms” within the game where users could allegedly “become performers of terrorist actions, attack the school, and participate in gambling.”
The decision follows a November warning from the agency, which stated that Roblox’s moderation team had admitted it couldn’t effectively block the distribution of what Russian authorities deemed unsafe materials on the platform.
Roblox, available on both desktop and mobile platforms, has achieved remarkable global popularity. The Android version alone has been downloaded over one billion times from the Google Play Store, while its iOS counterpart has garnered more than 16 million ratings on Apple’s App Store.
A Roblox spokesperson responded to the ban, telling BleepingComputer: “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. We have a deep commitment to safety and we have a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform.”
This blockage represents another step in Russia’s broader campaign to restrict access to foreign digital platforms. According to Russian news agency Interfax, Roskomnadzor is now planning to ban WhatsApp, a messaging service used by over three billion people across more than 180 countries.
The pattern of digital restrictions in Russia has accelerated in recent years. Last year, authorities blocked Viber, an encrypted messaging app used by hundreds of millions worldwide, claiming violations of the country’s anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation. This followed a similar ban on the Signal encrypted messaging service.
In March 2023, the Russian government prohibited state agencies and government bodies from using numerous foreign private messaging platforms, including Discord, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, Threema, Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat.
Virtual private network (VPN) applications, which can be used to circumvent regional internet restrictions, have also faced multiple waves of bans in Russia. These occurred in January 2020, June 2021, and December 2021.
These digital restrictions align with Russia’s increasingly stringent internet control policies. In 2022, the country enacted a law banning what it termed “LGBT propaganda” across all media and internet platforms, expanding similar legislation from 2013 that prohibited such content aimed at minors.
The Roblox ban highlights the growing tensions between global digital platforms and nations implementing restrictive internet policies. For the millions of Russian users who regularly accessed Roblox, particularly younger players, the platform’s sudden unavailability represents a significant loss of a popular entertainment and social space.
Digital rights advocates have expressed concern about the expanding scope of internet censorship in Russia, noting that bans initially focused on politically sensitive content are now extending to popular entertainment and communication platforms used by everyday citizens for routine activities.
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14 Comments
Russia’s decision to ban Roblox citing extremist and LGBT content is troubling. It seems like a pretext for broader censorship efforts, not genuine safety concerns. This sets a worrying precedent for digital rights and freedom of expression.
Blocking Roblox over concerns about extremist and LGBT content looks like an excuse for Russia to tighten control over the digital space. This move is worrying for the free flow of information and access to diverse viewpoints online.
The stated reasons for banning Roblox seem like a convenient excuse to crack down on online platforms and restrict access to information. I hope this doesn’t set a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow.
Yes, the claims about extremist and terrorist content sound like a thin justification. It’s concerning to see Russia using such tactics to control the digital space.
The reasons cited by Russia for blocking Roblox – extremist content and LGBT propaganda – sound like a pretext for broader information control. This is a troubling development for digital freedom and access to diverse viewpoints.
Russia’s move to block Roblox over alleged extremist and LGBT content is worrying. It appears to be more about controlling the narrative than genuine safety concerns. This sets a dangerous precedent for censorship online.
Banning Roblox over alleged extremist and LGBT content seems like a transparent attempt by Russia to censor online platforms and restrict the free flow of information. Disappointing to see such broad censorship measures.
Russia’s move to block Roblox over LGBT content is quite concerning. It seems like a thinly veiled attempt to control information and restrict access to certain viewpoints. Not a good sign for digital rights.
The reasons given by Russia for banning Roblox – extremist content and LGBT propaganda – seem like a thin cover for broader efforts to censor online platforms and restrict access to information. Concerning development for digital rights.
Interesting that Russia is targeting Roblox over LGBT content concerns. I wonder if this is more about controlling the narrative than actual safety issues. Seems like a concerning precedent for free speech and access to information.
I agree, this move by Russia appears more politically motivated than about protecting children. Censorship under the guise of security is worrying.
This Roblox ban appears to be less about protecting kids and more about Russia’s efforts to censor LGBT-related content. Worrying to see such broad restrictions on online platforms.
I agree, the LGBT angle seems to be the real driver here, not genuine safety concerns. This is a troubling development for digital freedom.
This Roblox ban in Russia is quite concerning. Citing extremist and LGBT content as the justification seems like a convenient excuse to restrict access to online platforms and limit the free exchange of information.