Egypt has blocked access to the popular online gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns over child safety. The move, announced by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation this week, aligns Egypt with a growing number of countries restricting or banning the platform amid fears of inappropriate content and potential harm to young users. The ban was implemented in coordination with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
The decision comes after several Egyptian senators called for tighter regulation of Roblox, arguing it exposes children to risks such as anxiety, bullying, online harassment, and potentially violent content. One senator, according to state outlet Ahram Online, warned of the potential for psychological and behavioural harm linked to excessive use of the platform.
Roblox Corporation, the US-based developer of the platform, stated it has reached out to Egyptian authorities, offering to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation and restore access to the platform. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that user safety is a top priority.
Egypt is not alone in taking action against Roblox. Qatar, Turkey, Algeria, and Iraq have also implemented restrictions, ranging from limitations on in-game communication to complete access bans. In the United States, Texas and Louisiana have filed lawsuits against Roblox Corp. These actions often stem from similar concerns about protecting children from harmful online interactions.
Roblox is a free-to-play, multiplayer online platform that allows users to create and play games developed by other users. It functions as a virtual world where players create avatars and explore a vast library of user-generated content. The platform’s appeal lies in its combination of gaming and social interaction, allowing players to connect and collaborate within interactive virtual environments. Users can also create their own games using Roblox Studio, fostering creativity and basic programming skills.
The platform utilizes a virtual currency, Robux, which can be used to purchase cosmetic items and other enhancements within the games. Robux can be earned through the creation and sale of games and items, or purchased with real money.
Roblox Corporation maintains that it employs both human moderators and artificial intelligence to monitor content and remove material deemed dangerous for children. Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding the potential for exposure to inappropriate content and harmful interactions.
The ban in Egypt follows a recent call from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for curbs on mobile phone use by children, framed as part of a global effort to protect young people online. This broader initiative suggests a growing concern within the Egyptian government regarding the impact of digital platforms on the well-being of its youth.
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation’s move reflects a wider international trend of increased scrutiny of online gaming platforms and their potential impact on children. Australia has banned social media for certain age groups, and France is considering similar legislation. These actions highlight a growing global debate about balancing the benefits of online platforms with the need to protect vulnerable users.
With over 150 million active daily users worldwide, Roblox has become a significant force in the online gaming landscape. The platform’s popularity among children and teenagers makes it a focal point for concerns about online safety and the potential for exposure to harmful content. The Egyptian government’s decision to block access to Roblox underscores the challenges faced by regulators in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving world of online gaming.
The ban was announced on , and its long-term effects on Roblox’s user base in Egypt remain to be seen. The company’s offer of dialogue with Egyptian authorities suggests a willingness to address the concerns raised and potentially negotiate a resolution that would allow access to the platform to be restored.
