Roblox will introduce enhanced Arabic-language content and moderation tools as part of its safety overhaul in the Middle East/ Image: Roblox
Roblox has temporarily disabled its in-game voice and text chat features in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, following mounting regional and global scrutiny over child safety. The move, which affects millions of young users in the Middle East’s largest gaming markets, comes after discussions with government regulators and follows similar actions in other countries across the region.
Communication features disabled in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Roblox, the widely used online gaming and creation platform, has halted all in-experience communication features—including voice and text chat, for users in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The decision was made following talks with regulatory bodies in both nations and is part of a broader push to bolster digital child safety. In Saudi Arabia, the changes were coordinated with the General Authority for Media Regulation, which emphasized its role in protecting the public from the adverse effects of electronic games. According to the regulator, this measure aims to prevent exposure to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and potential online predatory behavior. Meanwhile, in the UAE, the move followed discussions between Roblox and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). In a joint statement, the TDRA and Roblox said:“The safety and well-being of children online is a top priority… We will continue to work together to ensure a safe, trusted, and positive digital environment for all UAE users, especially children.” Both countries have implemented the restrictions effective immediately. Roblox also committed to enhancing its Arabic-language content and introducing stronger moderation tools, including content filters and improved parental controls.
Regional bans and content moderation efforts
The action in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is part of a wider wave of regulatory crackdowns across the Middle East. Several countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Oman, Jordan, and others, have already blocked access to Roblox entirely in response to escalating concerns over child safety.
- Kuwait’s ban was announced on August 21, 2025, following community complaints.
- Qatar restricted access on August 13, although the government has not publicly commented.
- Turkey blocked the platform on August 7, with Roblox stating it is cooperating with authorities.
- Oman and Jordan imposed earlier restrictions, and the game is currently restricted in various degrees across countries like Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Yemen.
Roblox remains accessible in Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the largest emerging gaming markets in the region. However, the suspension of chat functions marks a significant shift in how the platform is being regulated there. Roblox has stated:“As part of this vision, and in view of recent discussions with regulatory authorities in a number of countries across the Middle East, we are committing to enhance our Arabic communication and content moderation capabilities.”
Guardian investigation reveals serious safety lapses
A key driver of these policy shifts was an investigation by The Guardian and UK-based research agency Revealing Reality, which exposed critical failures in Roblox’s safety systems, particularly its chat features. The report documented how children as young as five were able to interact with adults inside the platform’s games, often without any effective moderation. Key findings from the investigation include:
- Voice and text chat features were accessible even to users listed as under 13, due to easily bypassed age verification mechanisms.
- Test avatars registered as children accessed sexually suggestive environments, including virtual hotel rooms, fetish accessories, and public bathrooms that enabled inappropriate roleplay.
- Audio from voice chat included explicit sounds like kissing, grunting, and slurping, which the platform’s real-time AI moderation failed to filter.
- In one case, an adult avatar was able to solicit Snapchat details from a five-year-old avatar using barely disguised language.
The researchers concluded that while Roblox advertises itself as a “child-friendly” platform, its safety features are limited in their effectiveness, and the actual in-game experience often contradicts that appearance. In response, Roblox acknowledged:“There are bad actors on the internet… this is an issue that goes beyond Roblox and needs to be addressed through collaboration with governments and an industry-wide commitment to strong safety measures.” The company also admitted that age verification for under-13 users continues to be an industry-wide challenge.
Wider backlash and company response
Beyond the Middle East, Roblox has faced increasing legal and public pressure to improve safety controls. In August 2025, Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation, accusing it of facilitating the systemic sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the United States. The company has also drawn backlash for banning content creators like Schlep, a vigilante YouTuber known for acting as a self-proclaimed “predator hunter” within the game. Schlep claims to have contributed to the arrest of six suspected predators before being banned by Roblox for violating community guidelines. Roblox has responded with a series of measures:
- Launching content tags
- Updating parental tools
- Increasing in-game moderation staff
- Rolling out region-specific language moderation, especially in Arabic-speaking regions
The company reiterated its long-term goal:“Our vision is to connect people with optimism and civility… by creating a platform where users of all ages can have a safe, civil and positive experience.” Despite these efforts, confidence among parents, regulators, and users remains shaken. The recent steps in the UAE and Saudi Arabia mark a turning point in the platform’s ongoing struggle to reconcile its popularity with its responsibility to protect young users. Go to Source
