Access to Roblox has been shut down across Russia, following a decision by the country’s communications regulator that the game was distributing material it labels as extremist.
The ban follows months of heightened scrutiny toward foreign apps and arrives alongside new restrictions on other platforms like Snapchat and Apple’s FaceTime, all tied to similar allegations of hosting material connected to terrorism, LGBT themes, or activities the state defines as harmful to minors.
Why Did Roskomnadzor Target Roblox Specifically?
Roskomnadzor, which oversees Russia’s internet, provided several reasons for the decision.
In its assessment, Roblox had become a space where extremist ideology, simulated acts of terrorism, and what it classifies as LGBT propaganda could spread unchecked.
Officials claimed that certain user-made experiences involved violent scenarios, calls to illegal activity, gambling elements, and content that Russia believes undermines the “spiritual and moral development” of children.
The watchdog also pointed to ongoing reports of minors facing harassment, inappropriate interactions, and sharing of intimate images within the platform’s social features.
Because Roblox allows players to build their own game worlds, communicate freely, and upload content without preapproval, authorities argued that its design leaves too many gaps for harmful material to circulate.
How Popular Was Roblox in Russia Before the Ban?
The platform’s strong foothold in Russia makes the ban especially notable since Roblox has ranked among the country’s most downloaded mobile games for years and has been a daily space for millions of players, many of them children.
Its massive catalog of user-generated experiences, which ranges from simple obstacle courses to large multiplayer games with daily player counts that rival major AAA titles, has made it a global success story since 2006.
But that creative freedom has also raised long-standing worries about safety, moderation, and what children might encounter on the platform in Russia and elsewhere.
How Has Roblox Responded to the Accusations?
Roblox officials have consistently said they follow the legal framework of any region they’re in, while reinforcing that the platform prioritizes user safety, education, and creative freedom.
They highlight a long list of protective systems (automated moderation, policy enforcement, photo ID age verification, restricted chat features for younger users, and expanded parental controls), all meant to reduce exposure to harmful content.
These changes weren’t prompted by goodwill alone, as Roblox is now entangled in several lawsuits and state-driven cases claiming it failed to protect children online.
Other countries, including Turkey, Iran, and China, have also previously blocked the platform for similar child-safety reasons.
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