Russia Blocks Roblox Gaming Platform, Citing “LGBT Propaganda” Concerns

Russia has blocked access to the popular gaming platform Roblox, citing violations of the country’s ban on “LGBT propaganda” and other content deemed inappropriate for children, according to an announcement by federal media regulator Roskomnadzor on December 3.

The U.S.-based platform, which allows users to create and play user-generated games, has attracted millions of young players worldwide but now joins a growing list of Western digital services restricted in Russia amid the country’s expanding crackdown on LGBTQ content.

In its statement to Reuters, Roskomnadzor claimed the platform is “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” The regulator expressed concerns that Roblox’s internal moderation system “cannot ensure 100% security” over user-generated content.

According to Russian news outlet Interfax, Roskomnadzor acknowledged that Roblox had previously complied with requests to remove three pieces of content banned in Russia for depicting LGBTQ characters and community attributes. However, the regulator ultimately determined these measures were insufficient.

Beyond LGBTQ content, Roskomnadzor cited additional concerns about the platform, including alleged simulated terrorist attacks, gambling scenarios, and reports of sexual harassment and grooming. The agency claimed children were being lured into sharing intimate photos and personal information on the platform.

In response to the ban, a Roblox spokesperson told Reuters, “We respect 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 spokesperson emphasized the company’s “deep commitment to safety” and its use of “a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content.”

Russia’s action against Roblox comes amid a broader pattern of digital restrictions in the country. Roskomnadzor has also blocked Snapchat and imposed “restrictive measures” on Apple’s FaceTime service, accusing both platforms of enabling “terrorist activities” and spreading “LGBT propaganda,” according to Business Insider.

The Roblox ban reflects Russia’s increasingly stringent policies toward LGBTQ content. Since 2013, the country has restricted depictions of LGBTQ identity under a law banning “propaganda” to children. In 2022, lawmakers expanded this ban to cover adults, effectively outlawing all positive or neutral portrayals of LGBTQ people in media and public spaces.

Russia further escalated its anti-LGBTQ stance in 2023 when the country’s Supreme Court labeled the “international public LGBT movement” an “extremist organization,” triggering a sweeping crackdown on LGBTQ venues, events, nonprofits, health providers, and even rainbow-colored symbols.

Roblox has faced bans in several other countries as well, including Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq, primarily over child-safety concerns. In 2023, the platform drew scrutiny in Singapore after the government reported that a self-radicalized teenager had joined ISIS-themed servers on the platform, according to the BBC.

In response to growing safety concerns globally, Roblox announced last month that it would implement facial-recognition technology aimed at preventing young children from interacting with adults. This move followed several lawsuits alleging the platform enabled users to prey on minors.

The ban on Roblox represents another significant development in Russia’s ongoing efforts to control digital content and information flow within its borders, particularly as it relates to content accessible to young people.