Russia has blocked access in the country to Roblox, the popular U.S. children's gaming platform.
Reuters said on the 3rd (local time) that the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) announced the block, saying Roblox is "filled with inappropriate content that could negatively affect children's mental and moral development."
Russian authorities claimed Roblox distributed content that was extremist or promoted LGBT+.
Roblox countered that it "respects the laws and regulations of the countries where we operate," adding that it "provides a positive space for all users to learn, create and connect, and has tools in place to proactively block harmful content."
Russia has continued to regulate Western platforms. In 2022, it designated Meta as an extremist organization and blocked access to Facebook and Instagram, and in Aug. this year restricted some WhatsApp calling features. In 2023, it defined LGBT rights advocacy as extremist activity. Language-learning app Duolingo deleted related content after receiving a warning.