Egypt blocks Roblox over child safety concerns

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt’s top media regulator has blocked access to the US-based gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns over child safety and exposure to inappropriate content, officials said.

The Supreme Council for Media Regulation announced the decision following growing pressure from lawmakers, who warned that the platform could expose children to violence, harassment and other online risks.

Several senators had urged stricter oversight of Roblox, arguing that some content available on the platform is unsuitable for minors, according to Arab News. 

Senator Walaa Hermes cautioned that excessive use could lead to anxiety, bullying, online harassment, incitement to violence, as well as financial and behavioral risks.

The move places Egypt alongside other countries, including Qatar, Iraq and Turkiye, that have restricted or banned Roblox. In the United States, states such as Texas and Louisiana have also pursued legal action against the platform over similar concerns.

The ban comes weeks after President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for new legislation to protect children from the dangers associated with early smartphone use, reflecting broader official concern over digital safety for minors.

In a statement, a Roblox spokesperson said the company had contacted Egyptian authorities and offered dialogue in an effort to resolve the issue and restore access. The spokesperson said child safety remains a top priority for the platform.

Roblox, developed by California-based Roblox Corporation, allows users to create, share and play games designed by other users. The company says it uses a combination of human moderators and artificial intelligence tools to monitor content and remove material deemed exploitative or harmful.

According to the company, around 100 million people use Roblox daily, with children under the age of 13 accounting for roughly 40 percent of its users in 2024.