The online gaming platform Roblox has suspended all chat functions, including voice and text, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia following regulatory discussions about child safety.
The decision, reported by Gulf News, is effective immediately and comes after consultations with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Officials said the move is designed to give younger players a safer and more controlled environment.
In a joint statement, TDRA and Roblox said: “The safety and well-being of children online is a top priority for TDRA and Roblox. We will continue to work together to ensure a safe, trusted, and positive digital environment for all UAE users, especially children.”
Strengthened safety measures
Alongside the temporary chat suspension, Roblox announced plans to introduce enhanced Arabic-language content and moderation tools. These updates will work in tandem with existing parental controls to help parents better manage their children’s online activity.
The company’s emphasis on strengthening safety protocols follows heightened scrutiny of gaming platforms globally, with parents and regulators voicing concerns about inappropriate interactions and content exposure among younger users.
Regional and global context
Roblox has faced similar restrictions in other countries across the Middle East, including Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Oman, where regulators have acted on child protection concerns.
The platform, which boasts tens of millions of active users worldwide, has been under pressure to demonstrate its ability to safeguard children while maintaining its open, user-generated gaming environment.
Controversy and backlash
The company has also faced criticism over its handling of vigilante efforts to expose online predators. Roblox recently banned “Schlep,” a YouTuber who styled himself as a “predator hunter” and claimed to have assisted in multiple arrests linked to inappropriate behaviour on the platform.
While some parents supported his actions, Roblox said he had breached its guidelines, underscoring the platform’s ongoing struggle to balance user safety, privacy and community standards.
Looking ahead
The suspension of chat services in the UAE and Saudi Arabia marks one of the most significant regional actions Roblox has taken to date. Analysts suggest it reflects growing willingness among governments to directly intervene in digital spaces where children spend time.
For Roblox, the move could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity: ensuring regulatory compliance while rebuilding trust with parents and users in a region that represents a fast-growing gaming market.
As TDRA noted, the suspension is temporary, but no timeline has been provided for when or if the chat features will be reinstated.
