Rare Protest Erupts in Russia Over Roblox Ban

Rare Protest Erupts in Russia Over Roblox Ban

Post by : Saif Nasser

In a rare public display of dissent, several dozen people protested in the Siberian city of Tomsk on Sunday against Russia’s recent ban on the popular U.S. children’s gaming platform Roblox. The protest highlights growing irritation over internet censorship and government control of digital platforms in Russia.

The demonstration took place in Vladimir Vysotsky Park, where participants braved the snow holding hand-drawn placards that read "Hands off Roblox" and "Roblox is the victim of the digital Iron Curtain." Photographs from the protest show about 25 people standing in a circle, making their concerns visible despite the harsh weather.

Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, blocked Roblox on December 3, claiming the platform contained “inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.” The ban is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to control information, as social media platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are already restricted.

The Roblox ban has sparked debate across Russia over the balance between child safety, censorship, and the effectiveness of such measures in a digital world. Many Russians use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to bypass restrictions, making some question the logic of the ban. Others have highlighted the lack of Russian alternatives to the blocked platforms, leaving children with fewer safe online options.

Some parents and teachers have expressed concern that Roblox could expose children to sexual content or allow communication with adults, a reason cited by Russia and other countries such as Iraq and Turkey for banning the platform. Roblox, headquartered in San Mateo, California, has stated that it maintains a “deep commitment to safety” with built-in protections to help keep users secure.

Russian authorities argue that censorship is necessary to defend the country against what they describe as an “information war” from Western powers and to protect traditional Russian values. Critics, however, see this as an overreach that restricts freedom of expression and limits digital access for children.

The protest in Tomsk is unusual in wartime Russia, where public demonstrations against government policy are rare. It signals a growing frustration among some citizens with strict online controls and may be the start of more public debate over digital freedoms in the country.

Dec. 15, 2025 5:27 p.m. 368
#World News #Middle East News #Middle East #Global Global News world news
UK and US Reaffirm Strategic Importance of Chagos Air Base After Trump Criticism
Feb. 4, 2026 10:21 a.m.
UK and US leaders agree on the strategic importance of the Chagos air base after Donald Trump criticised Britain’s deal over the islands.
Read More
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Network as Winter Deepens and Peace Talks Near
Feb. 3, 2026 6:32 p.m.
Russian drone and missile attacks hit Ukraine’s energy facilities during freezing weather, leaving many without heat just before new peace talks begin
Read More
Greenland Hopes for Respectful Common Ground With United States
Feb. 3, 2026 6:27 p.m.
Greenland’s foreign minister says the island is hopeful of finding common ground with the United States through talks that respect its key limits and interests
Read More
Trump and Colombia’s Petro Meet to Test a Fragile Thaw After Months of Tension
Feb. 3, 2026 6:22 p.m.
Donald Trump and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro meet in Washington to test a fragile thaw after months of sharp words, with drugs and security high on the agenda.
Read More
PM Shehbaz Meets World Bank Chief to Boost Pakistan’s Reforms
Feb. 3, 2026 6:20 p.m.
PM Shehbaz Sharif met World Bank President Ajay Banga, highlighting Pakistan’s reform agenda, development priorities, and partnership for economic growth
Read More
Spain Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 to Create Safer Online Space
Feb. 3, 2026 6:10 p.m.
Spain plans to block social media access for children under 16, introduce strict age checks, and hold platforms accountable for harmful content
Read More
Russia Says It Will Avoid New Arms Race After Nuclear Treaty Ends
Feb. 3, 2026 5 p.m.
Russia says it will not enter a new arms race after the New START nuclear treaty expires, even as it continues modernising its nuclear forces.
Read More
Trump’s Tariff Cut Brings Relief to India, Even as Deal Details Remain Unclear
Feb. 3, 2026 4:07 p.m.
U.S. President Donald Trump cuts tariffs on Indian imports to 18%, lifting Indian markets and exporter confidence, though full trade deal details are still awai
Read More
Rafah Crossing Reopens, but Only a Few Palestinians Can Move In and Out of Gaza
Feb. 3, 2026 4:06 p.m.
The Rafah crossing has reopened after months of closure, but only a small number of Palestinians are being allowed to enter or leave Gaza so far
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News