ALBAWABA - Following global concerns about child safety, the popular gaming platform Roblox will temporarily disable chat features, including voice and text services, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, according to several reports.
According to Gulf News, the decision, effective immediately, comes following discussions between the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The temporary ban is intended to provide younger users with a safer experience on the platform.
TDRA said in a joint statement, "The safety and well-being of children online is a top priority for TDRA and Roblox. We will continue to work together to ensure a safe, trusted, and positive digital environment for all UAE users, especially children."
Roblox disables chat features in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Additionally, the statement outlined that Roblox will implement new enhanced Arabic-language content and moderation tools to improve already existing parental control and safety features.
The gaming platform recently sparked global outrage among concerned adults due to child safety concerns, prompting countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Oman, and more to ban the gaming platform.
The gaming platform also received backlash for banning "Schlep," a "vigilante" YouTuber who has been operating as a self-proclaimed "predator hunter" in hopes of protecting the children playing. He claimed to have allegedly helped in arresting six predators before Roblox's team banned him for violating its guidelines.
