Russia Blocks Roblox Nationwide Citing Concerns Over Child Safety and In Game LGBTQ+ Content
Roblox is no longer accessible in Russia, as the country’s media regulator Roskomnadzor has officially blocked the platform nationwide. The decision stems from what the agency describes as concerns over child safety, citing reports of abuse and predatory behavior on the platform, as well as fears that minors may encounter what it defines as “inappropriate content,” including in game LGBTQ+ themes.
The ban was first reported by Russian state publication TASS and later covered by BBC News. In its statement, Roskomnadzor argued that Roblox is “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” The regulator referenced both safety concerns and ideological considerations as central factors in its ruling.
In response, a Roblox spokesperson issued a formal statement expressing the company’s stance on safety and compliance. “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.” The company emphasized its investment in proactive safety protocols, saying, “We have a deep commitment to safety, and we have a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform.”
While Roblox is among the higher profile games to face a nationwide ban, it is not an isolated case. Roskomnadzor recently blocked a solitaire title on Steam due to LGBTQ+ references, continuing a broader censorship pattern driven by Russia’s restrictive legislation on LGBTQ+ expression. Although many countries do not consider LGBTQ+ content harmful to youth development, concerns about Roblox’s history of inadequate child protection measures are more widely acknowledged. The platform has faced repeated investigations, lawsuits, and community criticism over instances where predators used the service to harm children, an issue frequently raised by safety advocates.
The Roblox ban reflects Russia’s continued tightening of digital content regulations, blending ideological enforcement with child protection narratives as the government expands its oversight of online platforms.
What are your thoughts on the Roblox ban in Russia? Do you believe safety concerns or ideological restrictions are driving the decision more strongly? Share your perspective.
