Statement from Roblox blocked in Turkey

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Lerato Khumalo

Roblox, the video game platform whose access was blocked by a court order in August on the grounds that it contained content that would cause child abuse, announced that it plans to open an office in Turkey if the block is lifted.

In its written statement, Roblox stated that “it can play a positive role in the Turkish society by providing a platform for learning, creativity and meaningful connections” and that it plans to hire a team, including moderators who will provide services in Turkish, and open an office in Turkey.

A week before Roblox, the social media platform Instagram was banned on the grounds that it did not comply with the country’s laws and public sensitivities. Two months after the access ban on Roblox, Discord, which is frequently used by video game players, stated that the reason for the ban was “sufficient suspicion that child sexual abuse and obscenity crimes have been committed.”

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç said in his statement on the social media platform X in August regarding Roblox’s access ban: “Activities that will negatively affect the development of our children will never be allowed.”