Qatar Bans Roblox Over Child Safety and Cultural Concerns

Qatar has blocked access to Roblox, citing rising concerns over harmful content and risks to children’s safety. The ban applies to all citizens and residents, effectively making the platform inaccessible across the country.

While Roblox still appears in app stores for download, users in Qatar are unable to play. On mobile devices, the app shows an error message reading, “No Network. Please try when connected to internet.” The same issue occurs on PCs, where visiting Roblox’s website simply returns, “This site can’t be reached.”

According to local media reports, Qatari authorities say the decision was made to protect children from “moral and safety threats” present on the platform. Roblox allows users to create, share, and play games, as well as interact socially in virtual spaces — a freedom that, officials warn, has led to incidents involving “virtual assaults” and “violations of religious and cultural values.”

AI and technology researcher Bahaa Al Ahmad told Al Sharq that such open online environments could negatively affect children’s psychological and social development, noting that these spaces often simulate real-life interactions without proper safeguards.

Qatar now joins a growing list of countries that have blocked Roblox, including China, Turkey, Oman, and Jordan, all citing concerns over child safety, inappropriate content, or cultural violations.

This move comes as Roblox faces global scrutiny. Recently, the platform drew backlash for banning a YouTuber, Schlep, who had exposed predatory behavior among its users. The company accused him of multiple violations, including “simulated child endangerment conversations” and “encouraging users to move conversations off-platform.” The ban triggered online campaigns and hashtags calling for his reinstatement, with even a US congressman, Ro Khanna, urging action to better protect young players.

As of now, Roblox has not issued an official statement regarding Qatar’s ban.