Russia Blocks Roblox Access, Citing Extremist Content Claims

UPDATE: Russia has officially blocked access to the U.S. children’s gaming platform Roblox, accusing the service of distributing extremist materials and promoting “LGBT propaganda.” The announcement came from the Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

This decision marks a significant escalation in Russia’s crackdown on Western technology platforms, with officials claiming Roblox contains “inappropriate content” that could harm the spiritual and moral development of children. The platform, which boasted 151.5 million daily active users in the third quarter of 2023, has faced similar bans in other countries, including Iraq and Turkey, over concerns about child exploitation.

Roblox Corp has not yet responded to requests for comment on this urgent situation. The company previously asserted its commitment to user safety, utilizing AI tools, moderation teams, and collaboration with law enforcement to protect its community. However, critics argue that these measures fall short amid growing allegations of predatory behavior on the platform.

Historically, Roskomnadzor has targeted numerous Western media and tech platforms, restricting access to content deemed illegal under Russian law. Last year, the language-learning app Duolingo was forced to remove references to what Russia categorizes as “non-traditional sexual relations” after warnings from the watchdog regarding their LGBT content.

In 2023, the Russian government escalated its stance against the LGBT community, labeling the “international LGBT movement” as extremist, paving the way for severe criminal consequences for advocates and supporters. This intensified scrutiny reflects a broader crackdown on perceived foreign influences within Russia, with officials also limiting communications on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Just last week, Roskomnadzor threatened to block WhatsApp entirely, citing the platform’s refusal to cooperate with law enforcement investigations related to fraud and terrorism.

As Russia continues to tighten its grip on digital platforms, the implications for users, particularly children, are profound. Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant about the content their children access online. The situation is developing rapidly, and further updates are expected as Roskomnadzor’s policies evolve.

Stay tuned for more breaking news on this critical issue as it unfolds.