Roblox, one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, has just been banned in Russia. The decision comes from Roskomnadzorthe national agency in charge of communications surveillance, which justifies this blocking by the supposed presence of extremist content, incitement to violenceand above all propaganda related to the LGBT community.
This ban raises many questions: what does Russia really have against Roblox? What are the political issues behind this measure? And how does the platform react to these accusations? Here is a complete update on an explosive affair.
Russia accuses Roblox of distributing banned content
The announcement was confirmed by several agencies, including Reuters And RIA Novostiwhich relays the words of Roskomnadzor. In its press release, the organization claims to have detected a massive and repeated diffusion content “promoting and justifying extremist and terrorist activities”, as well as “calls for violent crimes and propaganda on LGBT themes”.
The tone is particularly alarmist. Roskomnadzor also states that “children are victims of sexual harassment, intimate photos are extorted from them and they are forced to engage in depraved acts and violence.” The platform is therefore targeted not only for ideological reasons, but also for concerns about the safety of minors.
A ban in a context of legislative tightening
For several years, Russia has strengthened its legislation against LGBT content, going so far as to classify certain LGBT+ associations as “extremist”. This ban on Roblox is part of this logic of increased repression, particularly against Western platforms considered contrary to the “traditional values” of the country.
The blocking of Roblox is therefore not an isolated case. It echoes a series of bans or restrictions affecting other foreign social networks, news sites or digital services. It is also a signal sent to the population: the State continues to closely monitor and filter access to certain online content.
Roblox defends itself and insists on its security measures
Contacted by Reuters, Roblox Corporation reacted officially: “We respect the local laws and regulations of the countries where we operate and we believe that Roblox offers a positive space for learning, creation and enriching encounters for all. »
The company also specifies that it has implemented several control tools, in particular “facial age estimation technology”, a system of identity verificationand a mode of parental control reinforced. Roblox claims to be “deeply committed to security” and says it has proactive and preventive measures to prevent the dissemination of harmful content.
Another precedent in digital censorship
Roblox is not the first platform to be in the sights of Russian authorities. However, this matter takes on particular importance due to the Roblox priority target: children and adolescents. By banning such a popular platform among young people, Russia is asserting even stricter control over the digital education of its youth.
It remains to be seen whether this ban is definitive, or whether a lifting of the blockage will be considered conditionally. For the moment, Russia has given no indication of a possible reintegration of Roblox into its territory, even if LGBT content is removed.