Egypt Blocks Roblox: A Move to Safeguard Children
In a significant step aimed at safeguarding children, Essam El-Amir, the Deputy Head of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation in Egypt, announced the official blocking of the popular game and platform "Roblox". This action was taken in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to ensure the decision is effectively enforced.
The announcement was made during a Senate session led by Counselor Essam Farid, where various concerns about the dangers posed by the internet, social media, and electronic games to children were discussed.
* Reasons for Blocking "Roblox"
This decision was influenced by growing apprehensions regarding child safety, particularly concerning several identified risks associated with the platform, including:
• Exposure to age-inappropriate content
• Facilitating direct communication with unknown individuals
• Potential negative psychological and behavioral impacts
• Economic risks from in-game purchases
* Prior Proposals Leading to the Decision
Dr. Walaa Harmas Radwan, a Senate member, had previously submitted a proposal aimed at regulating the "Roblox" platform. The goals of this proposal included:
_ Protecting moral and educational values for children and youth
_ Mitigating psychological and behavioral risks
_ Regulating the operations of electronic gaming platforms
_ Engaging in comprehensive discussions and heeding international warnings
The Senate's Education, Scientific Research, and Communications and Information Technology Committee reviewed the proposal, with representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology present. The discussion encompassed:
• The operational nature of the "Roblox" platform
• The associated risks and adverse effects
• The behavioral and economic implications of the platform
• Legal challenges and international warnings related to child safety
• International experiences regarding the regulation or prohibition of the platform
This decision by Egypt occurs amid a broader global discourse surrounding "Roblox", which has recently faced scrutiny and legal actions in various countries over concerns related to the digital safety of minors.
