Egypt has announced plans to block the gaming platform Roblox as part of broader efforts to strengthen regulations around children’s internet usage, triggering debate over online safety, digital access and content governance.
The decision, introduced by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, follows calls from lawmakers to regulate the platform over concerns related to children’s moral, educational and psychological wellbeing. Authorities indicated that discussions will continue with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to ensure enforcement of the restriction.
Officials have not provided a detailed technical justification for the ban, but the move aligns with wider global discussions around protecting young users online and managing age-appropriate content on digital platforms. Roblox previously restricted certain features across parts of the Middle East to address safety concerns, though Egyptian authorities reportedly viewed these measures as insufficient.
Roblox has a global user base of around 100 million people, with users under the age of 13 representing a significant portion of its audience. Similar restrictions have previously been introduced in countries such as Qatar and Turkey amid rising concerns about online safety and content moderation.
The decision comes as Egypt’s parliament continues broader discussions on children’s digital access and social media use, with expectations that the restriction could be revisited depending on future engagement between regulators and the platform.
