Qatar has officially blocked access to the popular online gaming platform Roblox, citing child safety concerns after a surge of social media calls urged authorities to intervene.
The move places Qatar alongside countries such as China, Turkey, and Oman, which have already barred the platform over similar issues.
While Roblox remains available for download through the Apple App Store and Google Play in Qatar, players are unable to progress past the home screen, encountering a “No Network” error. The browser version also fails to load, displaying “This site can’t be reached.”
The non-profit internet censorship monitoring group OONI reported “access anomalies” affecting Roblox in Qatar as early as 7:32 am on August 13, 2025. However, Qatari authorities have not released an official statement confirming the ban.
Roblox, a global platform that allows users to create, share, and explore virtual worlds, has faced ongoing criticism from parents and online safety advocates. Concerns have focused on children being exposed to inappropriate content and potential exploitation by online predators.
Calls for action in Qatar gained momentum last week, with parents and activists highlighting the risks of unmonitored online interactions within the platform’s user-generated spaces.
The latest move reflects a growing trend among governments worldwide to impose restrictions on online platforms that fail to meet child protection standards. It also aligns with regional efforts to enhance internet safety and regulate digital environments accessible to minors.
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