Gaming platform

“Queer propaganda”

Russia is taking action against popular gaming platforms

With more than 100 million daily users, Roblox is one of the largest online games in the world. The platform is now blocked in Russia – as are the Apple service “FaceTime” and the messenger service “Snapchat“.

Robloxone of the world’s largest online gaming platforms with over 100 million daily users, has recently been blocked in Russia. The Apple service “FaceTime” and the messenger service “Snapchat” are also affected by the current restrictions.

Officially, the media regulator Roskomnadzor justifies the block by saying that Roblox contains “inappropriate content” that endangers the moral and intellectual development of children. The game is “full of inappropriate content that can negatively impact children’s intellectual and moral development.” About 40 percent of Roblox users are younger than 13 years old.

According to Russian authorities, children there are exposed to sexual harassment, exploitation and violence. At the same time, Russian authorities accuse the platform of spreading “LGBT propaganda” – an accusation that fits into the country’s anti-LGBTQ policy, which has been tightened for years. Russia is pursuing content with queer themes increasingly restrictively and classifies it as a violation of “traditional values”.

Roblox is one of the world’s largest gaming platforms. In addition to the games offered, users can also create their own content and share it with others. It remains unclear what specific content drew the ire of the Russian authorities. Roblox, on the other hand, emphasizes that it adheres to local laws and invests heavily in security measures – including AI-powered moderation, proactive content filters and new features to protect young users.

At the same time, Russia also blocked the Apple communications service “FaceTime” and the messenger service “Snapchat,” each alleging that these services were used to “organize terrorist attacks.” The bans came just days after Roskomnadzor again announced a possible ban WhatsApp had indicated. Observers see this as a broader strategy by the Russian government to gain control over digital communication channels and displace foreign platforms.

Russia is not the first country to block the Roblox platform – they have already done so before Irak, Türkiye and Qatar issued bans, usually over child protection concerns. Also in the USA Roblox sees itself under pressure: the states Texas and Louisiana have filed lawsuits accusing the company of misleading parents and inadequate safety measures.