Roblox has faced another significant setback on the global stage. Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) officially blocked access to the popular user-generated gaming platform starting February 4th, 2026, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. The decision stems from worries about the game's potential negative effects on young users, including exposure to inappropriate or violent content, impacts on moral and educational values, and the risks of direct communication with strangers online.
The ban was announced amid broader discussions in Egypt's Senate about protecting children from harmful digital influences. Senator Walaa Hermas Radwandid had previously called for tighter controls on Roblox, highlighting concerns that echoed those raised in other regions. SCMR officials described the action as part of efforts to combat the spread of "deviant behavior" and "outlaw culture" in spaces popular with youth, aligning with directives to reject media glorifying violence or thuggery.
Roblox responded promptly with a statement emphasizing its existing safeguards, which it claims exceed those of many competing platforms. The company noted recent updates like stricter age-based chat restrictions and selfie-based age verification to confirm user identities. Roblox officials added they are reaching out to Egyptian authorities to discuss the issues and explore solutions, having successfully collaborated with regulators in other markets to implement localized features that respect cultural values. Whether these talks will lead to a reversal remains uncertain, though the platform has reversed bans in countries like Jordan and Kuwait in the past.
This latest restriction highlights the persistent challenges Roblox faces in proving its safety for children despite its massive scale. The platform boasts billions of registered users and reported over 100 million daily active players as of September 2025. Its appeal lies in user-created games, social features, and creative tools, but critics argue that the open nature of content creation can expose minors to exploitative or inappropriate experiences.
Egypt now joins a growing list of nations with full or partial blocks on Roblox. In 2025 alone, Algeria, Iraq, Palestine, Qatar, and Russia instituted bans, often citing child protection, moral concerns, or broader content restrictions. Earlier blocks include North Korea and Turkey, with some tied to general policies on social media or online gaming. Wikipedia and various reports list current blocked countries as including Algeria, China, Egypt, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, and Qatar, among others.
The pattern reflects a regional trend in parts of the Middle East and beyond, where governments increasingly scrutinize platforms popular with youth. Some bans stem from specific incidents or content issues, while others fall under wider internet controls.
Roblox also contends with legal pressure in its home market. In 2025, families in the US filed lawsuits, including one alleging a 13-year-old was kidnapped after meeting someone through the platform. States like Louisiana, Texas, and Kentucky have pursued legal action against Roblox, questioning whether its safety measures adequately protect underage players. These cases remain ongoing, with Roblox pushing back against accusations and highlighting its moderation tools.
Despite the controversies, Roblox continues to invest in safety. Features like parental controls, content filtering, and AI-driven moderation aim to address risks in its vast ecosystem of millions of user-created experiences. Yet repeated bans and lawsuits underscore the tension between the platform's creative freedom and the need for robust child protection in a digital space that millions of kids access daily.
For Egyptian players, the ban means Roblox is currently inaccessible without workarounds like VPNs, though many report connectivity issues or limited internet speeds making such solutions impractical. The ban adds urgency to Roblox's diplomatic efforts in the region, as the company seeks to balance global accessibility with compliance to local standards.
As more governments weigh in on online gaming and child safety, Roblox's path forward will likely involve continued dialogue, enhanced features, and perhaps further adaptations to regain access in restricted markets. For now, Egypt's decision serves as a strong reminder of the ongoing debate over balancing innovation, creativity, and protection in the world of online play.