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 laws prohibiting “LGBT propaganda” and raising concerns about child safety. The decision by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal media regulator, was announced on December 3 after months of escalating tensions between the platform and Russian authorities.

Roblox, a U.S.-based platform with millions of young users worldwide, allows players to create and share their own games or participate in user-generated content. The platform has become one of the most popular gaming destinations for children and teenagers globally, functioning as both a creative outlet and social space.

According to Roskomnadzor, the platform contains “inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” The agency told Reuters that its monitoring revealed Roblox’s internal moderation systems “cannot ensure 100% security” over content appearing on the platform.

Russian news outlet Interfax reported that Roblox had previously complied with requests to remove three pieces of content banned in Russia for depicting LGBTQ characters and community attributes. However, authorities determined these measures were insufficient to address their concerns.

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

The ban follows Russia’s increasingly restrictive stance on LGBTQ expression. The country first restricted depictions of LGBTQ identity in 2013 under a law prohibiting so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” to children. In 2022, lawmakers expanded this ban to cover adults, effectively outlawing all positive or neutral portrayals of LGBTQ people in Russian media and public spaces.

In a further escalation last year, Russia’s Supreme Court labeled the “international public LGBT movement” an “extremist organization,” triggering a broad crackdown on LGBTQ venues, events, nonprofits, health providers, and even rainbow-colored symbols throughout the country.

Roblox is not the only tech platform facing restrictions in Russia. Roskomnadzor has also blocked Snapchat and imposed “restrictive measures” on Apple’s FaceTime service, accusing these platforms of being used to organize “terrorist activities” and spread “LGBT propaganda,” according to Business Insider.

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 company emphasized its “deep commitment to safety” and its use of “a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform.”

Russia’s decision adds to Roblox’s global regulatory challenges. The platform has previously been banned in Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq over child-safety concerns. In 2023, Singapore authorities raised concerns after a self-radicalized teenager reportedly joined ISIS-themed servers on the platform.

Facing mounting pressure over safety issues, Roblox announced last month that it would implement facial-recognition technology to prevent young children from interacting with adults. This move came following several lawsuits alleging the platform enabled users to prey on minors.

The Russian ban represents a significant market loss for Roblox and highlights the growing tensions between global tech platforms and countries implementing stricter content regulations, particularly around LGBTQ issues and child safety. It also demonstrates Russia’s continued efforts to control digital spaces and limit content that conflicts with its cultural and political positions.