Russia Blocks Roblox Over Child Safety, Extremism, and LGBT Content Concerns
Russia has blocked access to the popular online game Roblox, citing concerns over child safety and extremist content, including LGBT-related material. According to Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, Roblox hosts content that could negatively impact children's development. The regulator specifically flagged terrorism-related content and LGBT information as extremist in Russia.
Examples cited include simulations of terrorist attacks and gambling found on Roblox servers, alongside reports of sexual harassment of children and the sharing of intimate images. Roblox, known as one of Russia's most downloaded mobile games, operates with a user-generated content model, which makes regulation challenging.
Roblox has responded by emphasizing its respect for local laws and its commitment to providing a safe, positive space for learning with proactive safety measures. The company's recent announcements include stopping children from chatting with adult strangers, a move aimed at enhancing user safety.
Russia is not alone in its concerns; Turkey has also banned Roblox due to child safety issues. In 2023, Singapore confronted a case involving ISIS-themed servers with a self-radicalised teenager. Additionally, last month Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Roblox, accusing the company of ignoring safety laws and deceiving parents.
