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Russia has blocked gaming platform Roblox over claims the website contains LGBT propaganda.
The country’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the ban on Wednesday, stating that Roblox is “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children”.
Russia has taken an increasingly strong stance against any LGBT content. In 2013, it passed a law designed to mark LGBT content as contradictory to traditional Russian values.
In 2023, Russia designated what it called the “international LGBT movement” as extremist and those supporting it as terrorists. This has paved the way for criminal cases against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
In comments to Reuters, a Roblox spokesperson responded by saying, “We respect the local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation and meaningful connection for everyone.”
Roblox Blocked in Multiple Countries
Roblox has around 200 million monthly active users. It is, however, blocked in an increasing number of countries.
In October, Iraq blocked the platform, citing similar concerns that it was exposing children to harmful content.
Communications Minister Hayam al-Yasiri stated that Roblox “hurts children and families in general because it contains bad content that blackmails and lures children and includes harassment.”
China also restricts access to the site, though its Chinese version, Luobo, is slated for a relaunch next year. Other countries that have blocked the platform include Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, and North Korea.
Some games are also restricted in certain countries. For example, the popular Roblox game Adopt Me suspended its service in the Netherlands and Belgium due to local loot‑box regulations.
Platform Faces Scrutiny Over Underage Gambling
The link with underage gambling has also led to legal challenges for the company in North America.
A group of parents filed a complaint against the company in California back in August 2023. The parents claim that Roblox knowingly allows children to gamble in third-party gambling sites using Robux, the virtual currency used on the platform.
In September, the father of a user in Canada also filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that its use of loot boxes had done extensive damage to his son.
Roblox CEO David Baszucki has stated that he has no issue allowing children to gamble on the game and is enthusiastic about integrating prediction markets.
Speaking last week, Baszucki said he thinks it could be educational for children to participate in prediction markets.
