Russia Bans Roblox Over LGBTQ+ Content, Not Safety Concerns
Russia has banned the popular gaming platform Roblox, but not for the reasons you might expect. While the platform has faced criticism for child‑safety issues, Russian authorities are more concerned about LGBTQ+ content.
The Ban and Its Official Rationale
The ban, enforced by Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, took effect on December 3. Officials claim Roblox is “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” However, the primary concern highlighted is the presence of LGBTQ+ material rather than the platform’s long‑standing child‑safety controversies.
Historical Anti‑LGBTQ+ Context
Russia has a long history of anti‑LGBTQ+ legislation. In 2023, the country declared the “International Public LGBT Movement” an extremist organization. Citizens have been prosecuted for displaying LGBTQ+ symbols, and the law forbids discussions of gay rights or non‑straight relationships.
Roskomnadzor’s Statement
According to Interfax, Roskomnadzor described Roblox as having “registered facts of massive and repeated dissemination of materials with propaganda and justification of extremist and terrorist activities,” as well as “calls for committing illegal violent actions and LGBT propaganda.” The watchdog also mentioned worries about children encountering predators, but that appears secondary to the LGBTQ+ concerns.
Roblox’s Response
Roblox, which serves roughly 150 million users worldwide—including about 4 million in Russia—issued a brief statement: “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 response has been criticized for failing to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ players and the broader community.
Pattern of Censorship
The Roblox ban follows a similar action against Duolingo, which was blocked last year for references to “non‑traditional sexual relations.” This pattern suggests a broader campaign by Russian authorities to suppress content that does not align with their prescribed notions of morality and societal norms.
