There are many reasons why countries ban Roblox. Almost every second news story about the platform is about how it is a breeding ground for child predators. However, Russia banned the gaming platform for a completely different reason. As Reuters reported, the country's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said it distributes extremist material and “LGBT propaganda.”
“Roskomnadzor has restricted access to the American internet service Roblox due to the discovery of large and repeated distribution of material promoting and justifying extremism and terrorist activities, calls for violent crimes and LGBT-themed propaganda,” the agency said in a translated statement (via RIA Novosti).
Roblox is banned in Russia
“Children are subjected to sexual harassment, forced to take intimate photos and forced to engage in depraved acts and violence,” Roskomnadzor said. “Instances of this type of misconduct have been widespread for a long time in both the United States and Russia.”
“We respect the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation and meaningful connections for everyone,” a Roblox representative told Reuters. They went on to say that the platform “has a deep commitment to safety and a robust set of proactive safety measures designed to capture and prevent harmful content on our platforms.”
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It's unclear whether the platform will be able to relaunch in the country if all LGBT themes are removed. Russia has taken a strong stance against the LGBT community, going so far as to call it extremism.
Roblox has been in the spotlight for some time due to safety concerns for children using the platform, particularly predators they come into contact with using the platform. The fact that it's incredibly popular doesn't help either. The situation is so serious that the Louisiana Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the company.
The company said it has implemented new safety features, including “facial age estimation technology,” identity verification, and parental approval.
- released
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September 1, 2006
- ESRB
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Young Adult/Various Content: Discretion encouraged, in-game purchases (including random items), user interaction
- developer
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Roblox Corporation
- publisher
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Roblox Corporation
