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Iraq bans popular game Roblox over concerns about child safety
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Communications announced Sunday that it has banned the online game Roblox across the country, citing security concerns, threats to social values, and risks to children’s safety. The decision was made based on a ruling from the Federal Supreme Court following what the ministry described as an extensive investigation.
“In the interest of protecting community security and preserving the moral and educational values of families and children, as well as ensuring the safety of internet users in Iraq, we announce the ban of the Roblox game inside the country,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry cited a number of reasons for the decision, including the game’s open chat features, which allow direct communication between users. Officials said this creates opportunities for exploitation, electronic blackmail, and exposure to content that contradicts social values and traditions. The statement also noted the presence of phishing links and unofficial platforms that steal personal data, as well as the financial burden of repeated in-game purchases.
The ministry said Roblox had contributed to rising levels of digital addiction and social isolation among children and teenagers in Iraq.
While the decision drew strong reactions on social media, Roblox has faced similar scrutiny elsewhere. In 2024, Turkey, Oman, and Qatar banned the game outright, while regulatory agencies in Europe and the U.S. have warned about the platform’s vulnerability to grooming, exploitation, and harmful user-generated content. The company behind Roblox has since introduced new moderation tools and chat restrictions for minors, but critics say enforcement remains inconsistent.
In Iraq, the Roblox ban follows a broader wave of restrictions on digital platforms. In November 2024, the ministry blocked access to the Internet Movie Database and SoundCloud, citing “inappropriate and unethical content.” The move sparked public backlash and led Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to require cabinet-level review for future digital platform bans.
The ban does not apply in the Kurdistan Region, which operates its own internet infrastructure and enforces digital policy separately from the federal government.
