Roblox Blocks 300,000 Games in Saudi Arabia for Child Safety
Roblox, one of the most popular gaming and creation platforms in the world, has taken a big step in Saudi Arabia. The company has blocked more than 300,000 games and paused text and voice chat features. This action follows an agreement with the General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR) to make the platform safer for young players.
The decision comes after concerns that some Roblox games contained content that could be harmful to children. By working closely with Saudi regulators, Roblox aims to build a safe digital space that supports creativity while respecting local culture.
Why Roblox Took Action in Saudi Arabia
Roblox faced strong criticism for games that encouraged inappropriate behavior among children. Parents and experts raised alarms that some “Social Gathering Games” promoted unsafe interactions. In response, Roblox took quick action.
The platform decided to:
- Block over 300,000 games in Saudi Arabia.
- Suspend the “Social Gathering Games” category completely.
- Turn off text and voice chat until safer tools in Arabic are ready.
This shows how seriously the company is treating child safety in the region.
New Safety Features on the Platform
Roblox is now working on stronger protection systems. The company announced that it will:
- Use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect unsafe content quickly.
- Employ Arabic-speaking human moderators who can review flagged content and take action.
By combining AI with human oversight, Roblox wants to create a safe and fun experience for millions of players in Saudi Arabia.
Statement from Roblox
In its official statement, Roblox explained that its main goal is to work closely with Saudi authorities. The company said it wants to create a digital space that respects local culture, values, and traditions.
Roblox also confirmed that its focus remains on:
- Protecting children and teens.
- Encouraging creativity and education.
- Promoting positive values through safe gameplay.
Role of Saudi Regulators
The General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR) welcomed this move. The authority said that Roblox’s new safety steps show Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a safe online ecosystem.
GAMR stressed that this initiative is part of the Kingdom’s larger plan to:
- Protect children online.
- Support the growth of the digital economy.
- Ensure that gaming contributes to education and creativity rather than harm.
How This Fits into the Bigger Picture in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia is not the only country in the region to act on Roblox. In recent months, other Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Bahrain also restricted parts of the platform.
Many of these countries either:
- Blocked Roblox completely, or
- Limited its chat features to reduce risks for children.
This shows a wider trend: Middle Eastern governments want global platforms to align with local culture and child protection standards.
Global Concerns About Roblox and Child Safety
Roblox has millions of players worldwide, and around 40% of them are under 13 years old. Because of this, the platform often faces child safety concerns.
In the past, there have been several controversies, including:
- Reports of grooming and unsafe interactions.
- At least 30 arrests in the U.S. linked to Roblox-related child abuse cases.
- Complaints about games that promoted bullying, violence, or inappropriate themes.
To address these issues, Roblox has already introduced:
- Age verification tools using ID or selfies.
- Parental controls that let families manage chat, spending, and friend requests.
- Stricter rules around games designed for older players.
The Saudi agreement is another strong step in this ongoing process.
Impact on the Saudi Gaming Community
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing gaming communities in the world. Many children and teenagers spend hours on Roblox daily, building worlds, playing games, and socializing.
The recent changes will:
- Make the platform safer for younger users.
- Encourage developers to create games that match Saudi cultural values.
- Reassure parents that their children are spending time in a controlled environment.
While some players may feel restricted without chat or certain games, the long-term benefits are expected to be positive.
Why This Matters for the Digital Economy
Gaming is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which focuses on expanding the digital economy. Platforms like Roblox play a role in this vision by:
- Helping young people learn coding, design, and creative thinking.
- Creating opportunities for developers to earn money from their games.
- Supporting esports and digital entertainment industries.
By making Roblox safer, Saudi Arabia ensures that gaming continues to support education, creativity, and innovation.
