Qatar has blocked access to the widely popular online game platform Roblox, following growing social media calls urging authorities to act. The move is driven by concerns over child safety, according to the Peninsula Qatar. While the game can still be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play, players in Qatar encounter a “No Network” message and cannot advance beyond the home screen. Similarly, the web version displays, “This site can’t be reached.”
Tracking and Regional Comparisons
Ooni, a non-profit software project monitoring internet censorship, reported “access anomalies” affecting Roblox in Qatar as of 7:32 am on August 13. Although the government has not issued an official statement, this restriction follows a trend seen in other countries. China, Turkey, and Oman have previously barred access to Roblox, citing concerns over inappropriate content and potential exploitation.
Child Safety Concerns and Advocacy
Roblox allows users to create and explore virtual worlds, which has drawn criticism from parents and online safety advocates for years. Experts warn the platform exposes children to unsuitable content and online risks. Consequently, authorities and advocates emphasize the need for parental monitoring and digital safety measures, especially as online gaming continues to grow in popularity.
