Turkish authorities have blocked access to the online gaming platform Roblox within the country's borders, leaving players and developers frustrated. The ban, implemented on August 7, 2024, by the Adana 6th Criminal Court of Peace, cites concerns about child safety and allegations of content that could facilitate child abuse.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated the government's action aligns with its constitutional duty to protect children. While the need for online child safety is largely undisputed, the appropriateness of this specific ban is being debated. Criticism of Roblox's policies, particularly allowing underage creators to monetize their work, may have contributed to the decision, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
The Roblox ban has sparked outrage on social media, with players seeking workarounds like VPNs and some even considering protests. This incident is part of a larger trend of Turkey restricting access to digital platforms, including recent blocks on Instagram, Wattpad, Twitch, and Kick. These actions raise concerns about digital freedom and the potential for self-censorship by developers and platforms to avoid similar bans. Many gamers feel the block represents a loss beyond just a game.
For further gaming news, see the Exploding Kittens 2 release information.