Roblox Corporation has suspended in-game chat functions in Arabic-speaking countries across the Middle East, following agreements with regional telecom regulators. The move, which affects markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Palestine, and Yemen, aims to strengthen child protection measures and tighten Arabic content moderation.
The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority confirmed the changes in a joint statement with Roblox. “Together, we can create a secure and supportive online space where children can explore, learn and play with confidence,” the authority said.
The suspension follows growing concerns that chat functions on Roblox could expose children to grooming and predatory behavior. Earlier this year, Kuwait, Qatar, and Turkey blocked the platform entirely, building on prior bans in Oman and Jordan. Roblox remains available in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s largest gaming markets.
Roblox said the temporary measure aligns with its long-term vision to provide a safe and civil platform. “While we undergo the next phase of this work, we are temporarily disabling certain communication features, including in-experience chat, for all users in Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East,” the company announced.
The decision comes amid broader scrutiny of Roblox’s safety record. In the United States, Louisiana recently filed a lawsuit accusing the company of failing to implement adequate safeguards, thereby enabling systemic child exploitation. Investigations in the UK also raised red flags, showing how children could easily access adult-themed environments and interact with adults without effective verification barriers.
The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about harmful content, age verification gaps, and online predator risks. Experts recommend that parents strengthen parental controls, monitor their children’s online interactions, restrict in-game spending, and encourage open conversations about online safety.
Founded in 2006, Roblox has grown into one of the world’s largest gaming platforms, hosting millions of user-created experiences. Its latest regulatory challenges highlight the tension between rapid digital growth and child safety in an increasingly connected world.
