Russia Orders Restrictions on Roblox Citing Protection of Children from Deception and Illegal Content
Share article
Russia has ordered a block on Roblox, a popular gaming platform with over 8 million users, claiming children are at risk of becoming victims. However, experts clarify that the issue is not safety but the government's inability to control the data.
The Russian government is intensifying internet control measures after Roskomnadzor, the state media regulator, announced restrictions on access to the popular online game platform Roblox. The official reason is to protect children and youth from illegal content, accusing the game of containing child grooming groups, LGBT content, incitement of violent crime, extremism, and terrorism.
The state TV channel RU-RTR aired a special report warning parents. One interviewee, Yekaterina Pavlova, a mother whose daughter was tricked into purchasing in-game currency, said her daughter lost over 240,000 rubles (about 3,000 dollars) within just 10 minutes. She explained that the child could easily access her parents’ phone, log into their bank account, and transfer money to scammers.
Roblox is among the most popular gaming platforms in Russia. According to Mediascope data, in October last year Roblox was the second most popular game in the country, with nearly 8 million monthly players.
Stanislav Seleznev, a cybersecurity expert from the rights organization Net Freedom, told AP that the real reason may be data control rather than content. Since security agencies like the FSB cannot access information on this platform under current Russian law, Roskomnadzor decided to block the service.
The Russian government is accelerating strict measures. On the same day, authorities also announced restrictions on Apple’s FaceTime video call service, reflecting ongoing efforts to block communications outside state control.
Under President Vladimir Putin’s administration, a long-standing internet control policy has been implemented through strict laws and blocking websites or platforms that do not cooperate with the state.
After Russia began military operations in Ukraine in 2022, the government blocked major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Although users tried to bypass restrictions with VPNs, these were often also blocked. Last year, access to YouTube was deliberately slowed down, according to internet experts.
This year, the government also banned calling via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in criminal activities. Simultaneously, it promoted a national state chat app called MAX, which critics say is more of a surveillance tool than a communication platform.
Click to read news aboutRoblox