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RussiaRecent restrictions on popular gaming platforms roblox has sparked a controversial debate among families, highlighting the complexities of the state censorship How easily such restrictions can be circumvented in the digital age and by tech-savvy children.
Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications watchdog, announced its decision to block access to Roblox on December 3.
The agency described the platform as “rife with inappropriate content”, accused it of spreading “extremist and LGBT propaganda”, and noted its alleged popularity “with pedophiles”.
This latest ban is part of broader wartime censorship in Russia, which has already blocked or limited social media giants like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube.
However, the Roblox ban affecting the platform widely used by children has struck a particular chord.
This led to a small but symbolic rally in the Siberian city of Tomsk, where protesters carried banners declaring “Hands off Roblox” and “Roblox is a victim of the Digital Iron Curtain.”
In response to the ban, a spokesperson for Roblox informed Reuters of the company’s readiness “to modify our content moderation processes to address the legal requirements necessary to temporarily limit communications features in Russia and restore our community’s access to the platform.”
“Roblox intends to continue dialogue with Roskomnadzor as access to the platform is restored, including discussions on additional compliance measures that may be considered over time,” the spokesperson said.
Roblox states on its website that it “provides rigorous built-in security to help keep users safe” and seeks to “create a safe, age-appropriate environment for every user.”
Russian officials are at odds with the West war in ukraineSay censorship is needed to defend against Western “information warfare” and what they present as decadent Western culture that undermines “traditional” Russian values.
For many young Russians, Roblox was a window to the vast world of games and potential friends around the world. The Kremlin, without providing details, says it has received correspondence from a number of young people about the Roblox ban.
“I don’t think it’s fair to block Roblox,” Polina Gerina, 14, told Reuters in Moscow. “It was a lot of fun.”
Her sisters, 11-year-old Daria and seven-year-old Yekaterina, also said they play on the Roblox platform.
“I think the children will still find a way,” said Daria Gerina. “There have been disruptions on other apps, and we’ve found a way to use them, so I think kids will find a way and keep playing.”
Many Russians use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to avoid digital censorship. Hundreds of VPNs have been banned this year, but new VPNs have emerged, leading some young Russians to ask why authorities ban apps or sites that are easily accessible, and why there are few Russian alternatives to them.
Some supporters of strict limits on children’s access also have concerns about both the security of VPNs and the impact of widespread violations of state regulations.
“How many children have downloaded the three-letter app (geocoding system) in the last few days after the game was banned?” asked Yekaterina Mizulina, director of the Safe Internet League censorship organization.
Mizulina, who was sanctioned by the European Union for enforcing Russian censorship, said that some young people wanted to leave Russia because of the Roblox ban.
“Widespread avoidance of disruptions also leads to a generally dismissive attitude toward government decisions,” he said.
Maria Gerina, whose three daughters played on the Roblox platform, said she did not support the ban, but wanted assurances on monitoring the apps for inappropriate content and contacts, and that there should be options.
“If it would be controlled somehow and people would specifically follow what is happening, then as a mother I would feel calmer when my children are playing,” she said.
“But I don’t think a complete ban will solve the problem – if there’s no Roblox, there will be something else.”