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 allegedly harmful content on the platform.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated the government is taking strong measures to protect children, aligning with its constitutional duty. While the necessity of online child safety is undisputed, the appropriateness of this specific ban is being debated. Criticism of Roblox's policies, particularly regarding underage creators monetizing their work, may have contributed to the decision, although the exact reasons remain unclear.
The Roblox ban has sparked outrage on social media, with players seeking workarounds using VPNs and expressing concerns about the future of online gaming in Turkey. Some are even considering protests.
This action is part of a broader pattern of Turkey restricting access to digital platforms. Recent examples include blocks on Instagram, Wattpad, Twitch, and Kick, raising concerns about digital freedom and a potential chilling effect on developers and platforms. While ostensibly for child safety, many gamers feel the ban deprives them of more than just a game.
For further gaming news, see the Exploding Kittens 2 release announcement.
