In a significant development, the popular US-based gaming platform Roblox has expressed its willingness to modify certain features for its Russian users. This move comes as the company attempts to overturn a ban imposed by the country's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, earlier this month.
Dialogue Opens with Russian Watchdog
According to reports from Reuters, Roskomnadzor has confirmed that Roblox has now initiated contact to discuss adhering to Russian regulations. The watchdog was quoted by the Interfax news agency stating that if the platform demonstrates a genuine commitment to changing its approach to online child safety, it will engage with Roblox as it does with other compliant services.
A spokesperson for Roblox confirmed the outreach to Reuters. The company stated it is prepared to temporarily limit communication features within Russia and revise its content moderation processes. These steps are aimed at meeting the legal requirements necessary to restore platform access for its Russian community.
Roblox's Commitment to Safety and Compliance
"Roblox intends to continue dialogue with Roskomnadzor as access to the platform is restored, including discussions around additional compliance measures that may be considered over time," the spokesperson added. The company emphasized its deep commitment to user safety, highlighting its robust set of proactive and preventative measures designed to catch and prevent harmful content.
For its part, Roskomnadzor stated that Roblox has promised to take necessary actions to remove destructive and dangerous information, as well as to prevent criminal activity and certain user communications on its platform.
Why Russia and Other Nations Have Banned Roblox
Russia is not the only country to have blocked access to Roblox. The gaming platform has faced similar bans in nations like Iraq and Turkey, primarily over child safety concerns. Authorities in these countries have worried about predators exploiting the platform to target children.
Russian officials have framed their ban as part of a broader effort to protect against what they describe as an "information war" from Western countries, which they believe undermines traditional Russian values. The action against Roblox aligns with this stance, citing the platform's safety protocols as insufficient.
The outcome of the ongoing discussions between Roblox and Roskomnadzor will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how global digital platforms negotiate compliance with Russia's stringent internet laws.
