Egyptian authorities have imposed a ban on Roblox, a widely used online gaming platform popular among children, citing concerns over child safety and moral values, according to a Bloomberg report.
The decision was made by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, which is working with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to ensure the ban is enforced nationwide. State-owned media reported that the move followed a proposal by Senator Walaa Hermas Radwandid, who urged tighter regulation of the platform to safeguard children’s moral and educational development.
Radwandid raised concerns over Roblox’s interactive nature, particularly its features that allow users to communicate directly with strangers online. He also warned of potential psychological and behavioural impacts on young users, arguing that stronger controls were necessary to protect minors in Egypt’s digital space.
In response, Roblox said it has implemented “rigorous safeguards that go beyond those of many other platforms”, maintaining that child safety remains a priority. The company has previously highlighted its moderation tools and parental control features as part of its efforts to create a safer environment for younger players.
Egypt joins a growing list of countries in the Middle East and beyond that have either banned or significantly restricted the US-based gaming platform. Iraq, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have taken similar steps, while Turkey and Russia recently introduced blanket bans, citing concerns over content allegedly promoting homosexuality and LGBT-related themes.
The move reflects a broader regional and global debate over online platforms and their influence on children, as governments increasingly scrutinise digital content consumed by minors. Analysts note that such measures signal a tightening regulatory approach as authorities attempt to balance technological growth with social and cultural sensitivities.
Roblox has established a notable footprint in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to its latest economic impact report, the platform contributed an estimated US$15 million to the combined gross domestic product of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Qatar and the UAE between 2021 and 2024, underscoring its commercial significance despite mounting regulatory pressure.
The company has also recently strengthened its age verification requirements for certain in-game features following criticism from several US state attorneys general over child protection issues. However, reports suggest the new system has faced technical challenges, drawing mixed reactions from users and parents alike.
The ban comes amid a wider global trend of increased internet restrictions, particularly involving social media and gaming platforms. Countries such as Australia, Spain and Denmark have moved towards banning or limiting children’s access to social media altogether, highlighting a growing international push to regulate digital spaces for younger audiences.
