Russia’s federal media regulator has blocked access to US-based children’s gaming platform Roblox for violating the country’s ban on distributing so-called “LGBT propaganda.”
The platform allows users to create their own games or play games created by others, and has attracted millions of young players around the world.
Russia’s Federal Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Supervisory Authority Roskomnadzor announced the ban on December 3, stating: Reuters The platform is “full of inappropriate content that can have a negative impact on children’s mental and moral development.”
According to Russian news agencies interfaxRoskomnadzor’s news agency announced in July that it had complied with Roblox’s request to remove three pieces of content that are banned in Russia for depicting LGBTQ characters or attributes of the LGBTQ community.
As a federal agency that monitors and censors media, telecommunications and the internet, Roskomnadzor had previously ordered Roblox to restrict access to content prohibited by Russian law banning the dissemination or depiction of LGBTQ-related material.
Roskomnadzor claimed that its monitoring showed that Roblox’s internal moderation systems “cannot guarantee 100% security” for content displayed on the platform, and that it hosts “inappropriate content” that could “adversely impact the mental and moral development of children,” including simulated terrorist attacks and gambling scenarios.
Roskomnadzor also cited reports of allegations of sexual harassment and grooming on the platform, claiming that children were being lured into sharing intimate photos and personal information.
Roblox is also banned in Türkiye, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq due to child safety concerns. According to reports, the platform came under intense scrutiny in 2023 after the Singapore government announced that self-radicalized teenagers had joined an ISIS-themed server on Roblox. BBC.
roblox announced In the wake of multiple lawsuits alleging the platform allowed users to prey on minors, the company announced last month that it would introduce facial recognition technology to prevent young children from interacting with adults.
“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 connection for everyone,” a company spokesperson said. Reuters.
The spokesperson added that Roblox has a “deep commitment to safety” and employs “a strong set of proactive and proactive safety measures designed to capture and prevent harmful content on our platform.”
In addition to Roblox, Roskomnadzor blocked Snapchat and imposed “restrictive measures” on Apple’s FaceTime service. Like Roblox, these platforms have been accused of being used to organize or carry out “terrorist activities” and spread “LGBT propaganda.” business insider.
Since 2013, Russia has restricted all depictions of LGBTQ identities under a law banning so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” to children. In 2022, lawmakers expanded the ban to include adults, effectively outlawing all positive or neutral depictions of LGBTQ people.
In 2023, the country’s Supreme Court labeled the “International Public LGBT Movement” an “extremist organization,” prompting a widespread crackdown on LGBTQ venues, events, nonprofits, health care providers, and even the rainbow symbol.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
