Kathrine Frich
Public demonstrations have always been uncommon in Russia, but now wartime restrictions and censorship have narrowed the space for open dissent even more.
When protests do occur, they often reflect everyday frustrations rather than overt political demands.
That was the case this weekend in Siberia, where a small but unusual gathering drew attention to growing anger over internet restrictions and state controls on digital life.
Snowy protest
Dozens of people took to the streets in the Siberian city of Tomsk on Sunday to protest Russia’s ban on the US-based children’s gaming platform Roblox, according to Reuters.
The demonstration, held despite freezing temperatures, marked a rare public show of discontent in a country where protests have largely disappeared since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Photos shared by a protest organiser showed around 25 people standing in a circle in Vladimir Vysotsky Park, holding handwritten signs.
Handwritten messages
Among the placards were slogans reading “Don’t touch Roblox” and “Roblox is a victim of the digital iron curtain”.
One sign captured broader frustration with state controls, declaring: “Bannings and lockdowns are all you can do.”
The gathering took place roughly 2,900 kilometres east of Moscow.
Why it was banned
Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced on December 3 that it had blocked Roblox.
They argued that the platform was “full of inappropriate content that may have a negative impact on the spiritual and moral development of children”.
Authorities have framed the decision as part of a broader effort to protect minors and preserve what officials describe as traditional values.
Roblox, which is based in San Mateo, California, has also been banned in other countries, including Iraq and Turkey, over concerns that predators could exploit the platform to target children.
Wider censorship
The Roblox ban comes amid sweeping digital restrictions in wartime Russia.
According to News.ro, platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube have been blocked or restricted.
Russian authorities have promoted domestic alternatives while arguing that censorship is necessary to counter what they call a Western “information war”.
Despite this, many Russians routinely bypass bans using virtual private networks (VPNs), raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures.
Growing debate
The decision has triggered wider discussion inside Russia about online safety, state control and the lack of competitive domestic platforms.
Some parents and teachers have backed the ban, citing fears about children accessing sexual content or communicating with adults online.
Others, particularly younger Russians, have questioned the logic of blocking services that can be accessed with a few clicks.
Sources: Reuters, News.ro, Digi24
