Russia Lifts Ban on Roblox Gaming Platform After Company Pledges Child Safety Measures
Russian authorities have lifted their ban on the U.S. gaming platform Roblox after the company pledged to strengthen child protections and comply with Russian law. The ban, imposed last year by state media regulator Roskomnadzor, cited concerns about extremist content, LGBT propaganda, and child safety issues including sexual harassment. The reversal follows widespread complaints from Russian children and families opposed to the restriction.
Russia's digital development ministry announced on Wednesday that it has lifted restrictions on Roblox, a popular gaming platform owned by a California-based company. The decision came after Roblox committed to implementing additional child-protection measures and complying with Russian legal requirements. State media regulator Roskomnadzor had blocked the platform last year, claiming it distributed extremist materials, promoted LGBT propaganda, and exposed children to sexual harassment and exploitation. The ban triggered significant backlash, with pro-Kremlin censorship advocate Yekaterina Mizulina reporting receiving 63,000 letters from children aged 8 to 16 opposing the restriction. Roblox, which had been the most downloaded mobile game in Russia in 2023, serves approximately 100 million daily users worldwide, with children under 13 comprising around 40% of its user base.
What different sources said
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Russia lifts Roblox ban, Interfax reports
- The Moscow TimesCenter
Russia Backs Down on Roblox Ban After Children's Complaints
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