Russia has blocked access to the online platform Roblox. The decision was announced by Russian authorities. The ban is effective immediately across the country.
State media confirmed the news. The TASS news agency reported the official order. Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, enforced the restriction.
Regulator Cites Platform Content as Key Reason
Officials gave specific reasons for the ban. According to TASS, the presence of LGBTQ content was a major factor. Russian law designates public LGBTQ advocacy as extremist activity.
The platform hosts diverse user-generated experiences. This includes military roleplaying games and LGBTQ solidarity groups. The regulator found this content violated national legislation.
The move cuts off a large user base. Data from Appfigures shows significant impact. Roblox had an estimated 70 million lifetime installs in Russia on mobile devices.
Ban Amplifies Existing Platform Scrutiny
The Russian ban adds to global challenges for Roblox. The company faces increasing scrutiny over safety. Recent reports have focused on child protection and content moderation.
In the United States, state attorneys general have launched probes. Investigations in Texas and Louisiana examine user safety. Roblox has responded with new age-verification tools.
The company plans to introduce mandatory facial verification for chat features. This initiative is scheduled to begin in January. The technology itself raises separate privacy concerns among advocates.
Roblox also asked developers to label sensitive thematic content. Topics include social, political, or religious issues. This policy sparked criticism from diversity advocacy groups in gaming.
Groups like Out Making Games and Women in Games protested. They argued the guidelines could silence important voices. Roblox stated the goal was to empower parental choice.
The Russian ban on Roblox highlights a growing clash between global digital platforms and national laws. It underscores the complex challenges of moderating a vast, user-generated universe. This action will significantly impact millions of Russian gamers.
Info at your fingertips
Q1: Why did Russia ban Roblox?
Russian authorities banned Roblox primarily due to LGBTQ content on the platform. National laws classify such advocacy as extremist. The communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, enforced the block.
Q2: How many users in Russia are affected?
App intelligence firm Appfigures estimates 70 million lifetime mobile installs in Russia. About 8 million downloads occurred this year alone. The ban immediately blocks access for all these accounts.
Q3: Has Roblox commented on the ban?
As of the latest reports, Roblox has not issued a public statement. The company did not respond to immediate requests for comment from news outlets. The situation remains developing.
Q4: What other challenges is Roblox facing?
Roblox is navigating major safety and moderation issues globally. It faces legal probes from U.S. state attorneys general over child protection. The company is rolling out new age-verification tools in response.
Q5: What is Roblox doing about safety?
Roblox plans to implement mandatory facial verification for chat features starting in January. It has also introduced systems for developers to label sensitive content. These measures aim to give parents more control.
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