Gaming platform Roblox banned in Russia for LGBT and ‘extremist’ content

Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor has confirmed that it has blocked the popular online gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of distributing “LGBT” and “extremist” content, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The platform, which is popular with children, allows players to create their own worlds and “experiences” and to play in those built by other users. In a statement, Roskomnadzor accused Roblox of allowing the “mass and repeated distribution” of materials that “promote and justify” violence, “terrorist activity” and “LGBT propaganda”.

Roskomnadzor also raised concerns about child safety online, alleging the presence of content which could potentially threaten “spiritual and moral development”, as well as the heightened risk underage users run of being sexually harassed on the platform, something it said was “a frequent occurrence” in both the US and Russia.

Roblox, which has faced criticism in several countries for allegedly putting minors in danger of grooming and abuse, is the latest online platform to fall foul of Russia’s increasingly stringent media censorship, particularly surrounding the public exposure of LGBT-related material.

According to Russian news agency Interfax, Roskomnadzor has since 2019 been in regular contact with Roblox’s administrators demanding that access to prohibited materials be restricted, which resulted in the removal of certain materials from the site.

“Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation and meaningful connection for everyone,” a spokesperson told Reuters, adding that the company had “a deep commitment to safety” and a “robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform”.