By Sagar V. Mankar Access to the popular online gaming platform Roblox has been blocked in Turkey following a decision by the Adana 6th Criminal Court of Peace. This action comes after an investigation conducted by the Adana chief public prosecutor’s office raised concerns about content that could lead to child exploitation.
Turkey’s Minister of Justice addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the need to protect children. “It is everyone’s duty to look out for, protect, and support the best interests of our children,” he stated (translated via Google).
Reasons Behind the Ban
According to Turkiye Today, an official from the Directorate of Communications provided further details. The platform was accused of hosting content that could exploit children and promoting activities such as virtual parties linked to homosexuality. Additionally, there were allegations that Robux, the in-game currency, was distributed through bot accounts to lure children into such activities.
The statement also cited insufficient oversight by Roblox to address the issues raised. These concerns, combined with the lack of prompt action on reported problems, prompted the authorities to block access to the platform.
Roblox’s Response
A Roblox spokesperson confirmed the platform is currently inaccessible in Turkey. However, the company has not been informed about the specific reasons behind the ban.
“We are aware that Roblox is currently not available in Türkiye and have reached out to the relevant authorities to ascertain why and ensure we are back online as soon as possible,” said the spokesperson. They also reiterated the company’s commitment to safety and compliance with local laws, stating, “Our focus is always on safety and civility as we bring people together to build, learn, play, and explore.”
Other Recent Bans in Turkey
The decision to block Roblox follows a broader trend of restrictions in the country. Earlier this month, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced that Instagram would also be blocked. Turkish officials accused Instagram of censorship and failing to address offensive posts.
Roblox’s Popularity in Turkey
Roblox has been widely popular in Turkey, with AppMagic data showing 41.3 million downloads since January 2015. The platform has generated $37.5 million in revenue from Turkish players through the App Store and Google Play.
Globally, Roblox’s Q2 2024 earnings revealed 79.5 million daily active users, marking a 21% year-over-year increase. The company reported $893.5 million in revenue last quarter, up 31% from the previous year, although it posted a net loss of $207 million.
Conclusion
The ban on Roblox in Turkey has sparked debate over balancing child protection and digital freedom. As the situation unfolds, Roblox and Turkish authorities are expected to address the concerns to possibly restore access to the platform.
Sources: Turkiye Today, Mobidictum, AppMagic
For more updates, stay tuned to Gaming Foodle!