Iraq has banned the popular U.S. gaming platform Roblox, citing worries about child safety and the game’s compatibility with the country’s social values.
The government said the decision came after studies showed that Roblox allowed direct communication between users in ways that could expose children and teenagers to exploitation or cyber-extortion.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the content and interactions on Roblox were found to be “incompatible with social values and traditions.” The ministry added that the nationwide ban followed a detailed study and field monitoring, which revealed several security, social, and behavioral risks linked to the game.
Roblox Corporation said that user safety remains its top priority and expressed its desire to work with Iraqi authorities to lift the ban. “We strongly contest the recent claims made by the Iraqi authorities, which appear to be based on an outdated understanding of our platform,” a company spokesperson said.
The company also noted that earlier this year, it had temporarily limited certain communication features, including in-game chat, for users in Arabic-speaking countries such as Iraq to enhance safety.
Iraq now joins other Middle Eastern countries that have taken steps to restrict access to Roblox and similar virtual worlds. In August 2024, Turkey also blocked the platform, citing risks related to child exploitation.
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