Russian Gamers Protest Roblox Ban, Call It "Digital Iron Curtain"

Russia banned Roblox on Dec 3, 2025.

It looks like Russia’s decision to block Roblox has sparked more than just online chatter—it’s led to actual protests.

Earlier this month, the country’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced the ban, claiming the platform was “rife with inappropriate content that can negatively impact the spiritual and moral development of children.”

Censorship in Russia is nothing new. Social media platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube have all faced restrictions. But Roblox seems to have struck a nerve, especially among younger audiences who see it as more than just a game.

According to Reuters, several dozen people gathered on Sunday in Tomsk, a Siberian city nearly 2,900 km east of Moscow, to protest the ban.

Braving the snow, they carried hand-drawn placards with messages like “Hands off Roblox” and “Roblox is the victim of the digital Iron Curtain.” Photos from the event showed about 25 people standing in a circle, their signs calling out the government’s reliance on bans. One placard summed up the frustration: “Bans and blocks are all you are able to do.”

The protest highlights a growing debate inside Russia. On one side, officials argue the ban is necessary to protect children from harmful content and unwanted interactions with adults. On the other, critics question whether censorship is effective in a digital world where bans can be bypassed in seconds. Many Russians already use VPNs to access blocked platforms, and young players have openly asked why the state hasn’t built strong local alternatives to replace the apps it restricts.

Parents and teachers are divided too. Some worry Roblox exposes children to inappropriate material, while others believe banning the platform ignores the reality of how kids engage with technology today.

Roblox itself has faced similar challenges abroad. The platform has been banned in countries like Palestine, Iraq and Turkey over concerns about predators exploiting its systems. In the U.S., it has faced lawsuits from private individuals and even state authorities, with Florida filing a case against the company just last week.

When Russia introduced the ban, Roblox reiterated its commitment to safety, pointing to built-in protections designed to keep users secure. Still, Russian officials insist censorship is necessary to defend against what they describe as an “information war” from Western powers and cultural influences they view as undermining traditional values.