Russia Blocks Roblox Gaming Platform Over Extremist Content and ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Claims

Russia has blocked popular gaming platform Roblox, one of the world’s most widely used interactive entertainment sites for children, citing concerns over “extremist content” and what officials described as “LGBT propaganda,” the country’s communications regulator announced Wednesday.

Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media watchdog, stated that Roblox contains “inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children,” according to the official statement. The decision effectively cuts off Russian users from a platform that reported 151.5 million daily active users globally during the third quarter of this year.

Roblox Corporation, the California-based company behind the platform, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Russian ban. The company has previously emphasized its commitment to user safety, particularly for its predominantly young audience.

The platform operates as a game creation system allowing users to program and play games created by other users. Its business model has transformed it into a multibillion-dollar company with a significant presence in digital entertainment for children and teenagers worldwide.

This is not the first time Roblox has faced regulatory challenges internationally. Countries including Iraq and Türkiye have previously restricted access to the platform over child safety concerns, specifically regarding potential exploitation by predators. The company has consistently maintained that it employs rigorous safety measures, including artificial intelligence monitoring tools, human moderation teams, and collaborations with law enforcement and child safety experts.

The Russian ban comes amid the country’s intensifying crackdown on Western digital platforms and content that authorities deem contrary to “traditional values.” Since 2022, the Russian government has significantly tightened control over media and technology companies, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine.

Last year, Russia designated what it termed the “international LGBT movement” as extremist, essentially criminalizing LGBT advocacy and expression. Under this designation, individuals supporting LGBT rights can potentially face terrorism charges, creating a legal framework that has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations.

This regulatory environment has forced many Western companies to modify their services for the Russian market. Language-learning application Duolingo, for instance, removed references to what Russian authorities call “non-traditional sexual relations” after receiving warnings from Roskomnadzor.

The Roblox ban follows a pattern of increasing digital isolation for Russian internet users. In August, Russian authorities began restricting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, claiming these platforms refused to share information with law enforcement regarding fraud and terrorism cases. Just last week, Roskomnadzor threatened to block WhatsApp entirely, which would further limit communication options for millions of Russians.

Technology analysts suggest these moves represent a continuing effort to create a more controlled Russian internet space, less connected to global platforms and more subject to domestic monitoring. Major platforms including Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, have already been blocked in Russia since 2022, with the company designated as an extremist organization by Russian authorities.

The economic impact of such restrictions remains significant, affecting not only international tech companies but also Russian businesses and individuals who rely on these platforms for commerce, education, and communication with the outside world.

As digital restrictions continue to mount, Russian users increasingly turn to virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked content, though authorities have also intensified efforts to restrict these circumvention tools.