Russia prohibits the use of Roblox due to safety and extremist content concerns

Russian authorities have restricted access to the widely-used gaming platform Roblox, citing risks to child safety and the presence of extremist material, including content related to LGBT topics. The nations media oversight body stated that Roblox contained "inappropriate material capable of harming the moral and spiritual growth of children," according to local reports.

Roblox, a global multiplayer online platform, is among the most popular gaming services worldwide but has faced criticism for inadequate child protection measures. A company representative emphasized that Roblox adheres to local laws and aims to offer a "safe and educational environment" for users. The spokesperson highlighted that the platform employs extensive safety protocols to detect and block harmful content.

Reports indicate that Roskomnadzor, Russias media regulator, took action due to the circulation of terrorism-related content and LGBT-related information, both of which are deemed illegal in the country. Roblox servers were said to host simulations of terrorist attacks and gambling activities, contributing to the regulators decision.

The platforms user-generated content model, which allows players to create and share their own games, has made regulation more challenging. Russian authorities also cited cases of sexual harassment and the distribution of explicit images targeting minors.

Similar safety concerns have been raised in other nations. Roblox is already restricted in countries such as Turkey, and in 2023 Singapore investigated the platform after a teenager reportedly accessed ISIS-themed servers. In the United States, Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Roblox last month, accusing it of ignoring safety regulations and misleading parents.

Responding to longstanding criticism, Roblox recently announced changes to prevent children from chatting with adult strangers. The company continues to encourage safe use while addressing regulatory concerns worldwide.

Author: Lucas Grant