Roblox banned in Russia due to extremism, child safety, and "LGBTQ+ propaganda"

Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor is officially blocking online gaming platform Roblox, claiming that the website features content that is classed as LGBTQ+ propaganda and tied to terrorism.

The details:

• As reported by Reuters, the communications watchdog said in a statement that Roblox is "rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” It added that there have also been claims of sexual harassment towards the platform’s young player base, something which has been reported on worldwide in recent years, even leading to similar bans in Türkiye and Iraq.
• In a statement to Reuters, a Roblox spokesperson responded to the ban: "We respect the local laws and regulations in the countries where we operate and believe Roblox provides a positive space for learning, creation, and meaningful connection for everyone." The spokesperson added that the company has "a deep commitment to safety, and we have a robust set of proactive and preventative safety measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content on our platform."
• It’s unknown if the ban was prompted by any specific games, known as “Experiences,” but this is not the first time that Roskomnadzor has blocked access over similar issues. The regulator has worked to censor LGBTQ+ content in several video games released in Russia over the years and has even taken aim at Duolingo and WhatsApp for what it believes is pro-LGBTQ+ messaging and failure to hand over information to the Russian government.