Türkiye Blocks Roblox Access over Abuse Concerns

Online gaming service Roblox. Lionel Bonaventure | AFP | Getty Images
Online gaming service Roblox. Lionel Bonaventure | AFP | Getty Images
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Türkiye Blocks Roblox Access over Abuse Concerns

Online gaming service Roblox. Lionel Bonaventure | AFP | Getty Images
Online gaming service Roblox. Lionel Bonaventure | AFP | Getty Images

Türkiye has blocked access to the popular video game platform Roblox over concerns about content that could lead to child abuse, the country's justice minister said.

"Our country is obliged to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of our children," Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on social media platform X. "Using technology in a negative way is never acceptable."

He said a Turkish court had imposed the access block under an investigation by prosecutors in the southern province of Adana due to concerns about content that could lead to the abuse of children.

A spokesperson for Roblox, which hosts user-created games, said ensuring the safety of users, particularly the youngest, is at the core of the company's operations.

"We respect the laws and regulations in countries where we operate and share local lawmakers' commitment to children. We look forward to working together to ensure Roblox is back online in Türkiye as soon as possible," the spokesperson said in an email to Reuters.

The Roblox ban came after Türkiye blocked access to social media platform Instagram last week, a move it said was due to Instagram not abiding by certain laws and public sensitivities.

Turkish officials held talks with Instagram this week but the issue has not yet been resolved.



Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Receives Excellence Award at Abu Dhabi Int’l Exhibition

The authority's pavilion at the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. SPA
The authority's pavilion at the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. SPA
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Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Receives Excellence Award at Abu Dhabi Int’l Exhibition

The authority's pavilion at the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. SPA
The authority's pavilion at the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. SPA

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has received the award in the Best Exhibit in the Environmental Conservation and Cultural Heritage category at the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).

The award underscores the authority's dedication to preserving natural and cultural heritage, raising awareness about eco-tourism, and supporting the local community.

The authority's pavilion at the exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.

ADIHEX attracted over 250,000 visitors from 70 countries, and featured 1,742 brands and hundreds of activities, including workshops and educational sessions.