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>>Russia has blocked the Roblox gaming platform, sparking protests both online and on the streets.

Russia has blocked the Roblox gaming platform, sparking protests both online and on the streets.

crypthub

1 day ago

Tomsk Protest Against Roblox Ban

Dozens of residents gathered in Tomsk’s Vladimir Vysotsky Park to denounce the recent ban on the U.S. gaming platform Roblox. They displayed hand‑drawn signs demanding the platform’s restoration. The protest is notable as a rare public display of dissent in Russia.

Reasons Cited for the Ban

Russian regulators blocked Roblox, alleging it hosts extremist material, LGBT propaganda, and content harmful to children’s moral development. Authorities argue such censorship protects citizens from a perceived Western information war. The ban follows a pattern of restricting foreign social media and messaging services.

Public Reaction and Circumvention

Many Russians, especially youths, criticize the ban as ineffective because VPNs can easily bypass it. Parents and teachers voiced concerns about sexual content and adult contact on the platform. Roblox responded by emphasizing its built‑in safety features and moderation tools.

Broader Impact and Online Opposition

The decision sparked nationwide online campaigns, with millions of teenagers sending petitions and messages to the Kremlin. Users lament loss of community, purchased items, and some express a desire to leave the country. Similar bans on WhatsApp, Snapchat, and FaceTime illustrate a wider move to control foreign technology under security and morality pretexts.