Key Points
- Russia banned the gaming platform Roblox, citing inappropriate content and the spread of Western values.
- The ban has led to public debate and a small protest in Siberia. Many young Russians are easily bypassing the ban using VPNs.
- Roblox has said it is willing to negotiate with Russia to restore access.
- The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of digital censorship in Russia.
Russia’s recent ban on the popular U.S. gaming platform Roblox is sparking a heated debate about censorship, and many children are already finding easy ways to circumvent it. The move has hit a nerve, leading to rare public protests and questions about the effectiveness of a “digital Iron Curtain” in an age of easy workarounds.
The country’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, blocked Roblox on December 3, citing “rife with inappropriate content” and alleging it was used to spread “decadent” Western culture that undermines traditional Russian values.
The ban is part of the Kremlin’s wider effort to control the internet and block Western platforms.
But the ban has been met with defiance. A small protest even took place in Siberia, with demonstrators calling the move a “digital Iron Curtain.” For most young players, the ban is just an inconvenience.
Many are simply using VPNs to continue accessing the platform, a common practice in Russia to circumvent government blocks.
For its part, Roblox says it’s willing to talk. A spokesperson said the company is ready to “temporarily limit communication features” and work with Russian authorities to restore access. This reflects the concerns of some parents, who don’t necessarily want a total ban but want better safety monitoring and more Russian alternatives for their children.
