Egyptian regulators have banned Roblox, a popular children’s video game, for all users. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation is coordinating with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to enforce the decision.
Senator Walaa Hermas Radwandid proposed regulating the platform to “protect children’s moral and educational values.” He cited concerns including direct communication with strangers and “potential psychological and behavioral effects on young users.”
Roblox responded in a statement, saying it has “built rigorous safeguards that go beyond those of many other platforms.”
Egypt now joins Iraq, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which have banned or heavily restricted the U.S.-based platform. Turkey and Russia recently imposed blanket bans, citing the “promotion of homosexuality” and “LGBT propaganda.”
Roblox maintains a significant presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its most recent economic impact report states the platform added $15 million to total GDP across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Qatar, and the UAE between 2021 and 2024.
The company recently tightened age-verification requirements for certain in-game features. This followed pressure from numerous U.S. state attorneys general over child safety concerns, though the new system is reportedly a mess.
The ban occurs amid expanding global internet restrictions, particularly for social media services targeting children. Nations including Australia, Spain, and Denmark have enacted outright bans on social media for children.
