Qatar blocks popular online game Roblox amid child safety concerns

Countries, including China, Turkey and Oman, have already barred access to the platform

Last updated: August 13, 2025 | 20:34

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

Roblox has long been criticised by parents and online safety advocates for exposing children to inappropriate content.

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Dubai: َ Qatar has moved to block the popular game platform Roblox, citing concerns over child safety, after a wave of social media calls last week urged authorities to act, according to the Peninsula Qatar.

While the game remains downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play, players in Qatar are unable to advance beyond the home screen, encountering a “No Network” message. The game’s web version similarly returns the error, “This site can’t be reached.”

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Ooni, a free, non-profit software project that tracks internet censorship, reported “access anomalies” affecting Roblox in Qatar as of 7:32am on August13. The Qatari government has not issued an official statement confirming the ban.

Roblox, which allows users to create and explore virtual worlds, has long been criticised by parents and online safety advocates for exposing children to inappropriate content and potential exploitation. Several countries, including China, Turkey and Oman, have already barred access to the platform.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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