Saudi Arabia, UAE Enact Restrictions on Roblox
(MENAFN) Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have enacted new restrictions on the U.S.-based gaming platform Roblox, aligning with a growing regional push to address mounting concerns about child safety online.
A review by media indicates the scope of these measures differs across Gulf nations, ranging from full bans to temporary service limitations as regulators evaluate risks tied to the platform.
Saudi Arabia Imposes Communication Freeze
A Saudi state broadcaster, reported Thursday that the General Commission for Audiovisual Media ordered Roblox to suspend both voice and text chat features. The directive also calls for heightened scrutiny of in-game content.
Hattan Tawaili, who heads the Commission’s Electronic Games Department, described the move as provisional: “to improve and develop regulatory tools to ensure user protection and strengthen a safe gaming environment.”
Roblox, in a statement circulated by Saudi media, acknowledged its cooperation with authorities and affirmed it is “committed to the requirements of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media regarding content oversight and addressing violations inside the game.”
The platform also stated that after consultations with various Saudi agencies, it would “develop and enhance our capabilities in Arabic-language communication and content moderation.”
A 2024 report from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission ranked Roblox as the second most downloaded mobile game nationwide, underlining its wide appeal among youth.
UAE Introduces Safeguards in Collaboration with Roblox
On Thursday, the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority announced a series of new protective measures designed in cooperation with Roblox to bolster digital safety, especially for children.
According to the agency, the latest steps include “temporarily disabling some communication features such as in-game chat, as part of precautionary measures to protect younger age groups.”
Additional safeguards involve stronger Arabic-language content filters, upgraded parental controls, and the rollout of new safety features aimed at vulnerable users.
Wider Gulf Region Follows Suit
On August 21, Kuwait's Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority declared a national block on Roblox, citing its responsibility to protect minors. The decision followed complaints from parents and officials about “unsafe practices, online exploitation, harmful behaviors, as well as inappropriate content and unsafe purchasing practices.”
The authority emphasized the ban was not permanent and would be reconsidered pending successful negotiations with the platform and the removal of flagged content.
Earlier, on August 13, Qatari authorities also prohibited access to Roblox, with local outlets reporting the decision was made “to safeguard the behavior of children and adolescents.”
In June, Oman formally banned the platform, as confirmed by the national telecommunications regulator to a local newspaper .
As pressure mounts across the Gulf, Roblox faces growing calls to reform its safety protocols to maintain access to one of its most engaged regional markets.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
