Russia has blocked access to the popular U.S. children’s gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of spreading extremist materials and promoting what it calls “LGBT propaganda,” the country’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced on Wednesday.
The regulator said Roblox was “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” It did not specify which materials led to the decision. Roblox Corp, which operates the platform, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The gaming platform, which reported an average of 151.5 million daily active users in the third quarter of 2025, has previously faced bans in countries such as Iraq and Türkiye over concerns that predators were exploiting it to target children.
According to its website, Roblox says it is “rigorously committed” to keeping users safe through artificial intelligence tools, moderation teams, and cooperation with law enforcement and child safety experts.
Part of Russia’s broader digital crackdown
The ban is the latest step in Russia’s sweeping effort to tighten control over online content and foreign tech platforms. Roskomnadzor has previously restricted or blocked access to major Western services, including Facebook, Instagram, and BBC News, accusing them of violating domestic laws on “extremism” and “non-traditional sexual relations.”
Last year, the language-learning app Duolingo removed all references to what Russia terms “non-traditional sexual relations” after the watchdog issued warnings over LGBT content.
In 2023, Russia went further by designating what it called the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organisation, allowing authorities to open criminal cases against LGBT people and their supporters.
Tech platforms under growing pressure
Roskomnadzor has also targeted messaging apps. In August 2025, it began limiting certain calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to cooperate with Russian law enforcement in cases related to fraud and terrorism. The watchdog last week threatened to block WhatsApp completely if the company continued to resist demands for data access.
Critics say such measures are part of the Kremlin’s campaign to suppress independent information and foreign influence under the pretext of protecting national security and public morality.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, have said the Strait...
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said his country could provide a “safe corridor” and “alternative route” for regional ...
An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to new figures released by UN Women....
A remarkable discovery at the ancient ruins of Sanxingdui offers a glimpse into what appears to be otherworldly craftsmanship - an axe believed to ...
China is seeking to strengthen and upgrade its cooperation with Turkmenistan, focusing on what officials describe as “high-quality developmen...
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
Russia unleashed missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities overnight, killing 13 people, including a 12-year-old child, injuring several dozens and badly damaging buildings, officials said on Thursday.
Relations between China and Russia are gaining fresh momentum, with recent developments highlighting closer military and diplomatic cooperation.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, have said the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” to all commercial shipping for the remainder of the ceasefire period. Araghchi links the move to the ceasefire in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
NeaNearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record, the United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday.
Tens of thousands of people filled a stadium in Douala on Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo during what is expected to be the largest event of his African tour.
AmerAmerican businesses are preparing for a major moment next week as the U.S. government launches a long-awaited system to return billions in unlawfully collected tariffs.
More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment