RobloxThe country of Qatar has completely banned citizens from accessing Roblox amid concerns that the gaming platform promotes harmful content to children.
Roblox has been in the hot seat lately, facing numerous lawsuits from parents and criticism from players after banning a user who exposed predatory behavior from other players in the game.
Now, Roblox has been completely banned in Qatar. While the platform still appears in app stores online, it gives users an error message when they try to access it: “No Network. Please try when connected to internet.”
The same thing happens when players attempt to play Roblox on a computer, receiving this message after navigating to the website: “This site can’t be reached.”
Qatar bans access to Roblox as child safety concerns surge
Local news outlets say this move was made to shield children from “moral and safety threats” within the platform, where users can interact with each other, as well as create and play games.
The digital social space came under scrutiny in Qatar following a series of “virtual assaults” that reportedly occurred on the site, as well as “violations of religious and cultural values” that took place on the platform.
AI and technology researcher Bahaa Al Ahmad told news outlet Al Sharq that such environments could impact children’s psychological and social development in negative ways, saying, “These are now open digital spaces where children engage in real-life-like interactions.”
Roblox Thus far, Roblox has not released a public statement addressing the matter — but this is far from the company’s only issue at present.
Roblox is also facing criticism for banning a YouTuber who exposed predatory behavior from other users on its platform, sending him a cease and desist order and accusing him of “simulated child endangerment conversations,” “sharing or soliciting personally identifiable information,” and “encouraging users to move conversations off-platform.”
Since going public with the information, hashtags have sprouted up online to protest and boycott Roblox until the creator’s account is reinstated and more action is taken to prevent young users from dangerous influences on its platform. In fact, even a US congressman is sounding the alarm and urging protestors to sign a petition to protect kids on the site.
