Roblox set to relaunch in Türkiye after intensive negotiations
Türkiye banned Roblox in early August over concerns about child safety and inappropriate content. (AA Photo)
In early August, Türkiye imposed a ban on Roblox due to concerns over child abuse and sexual content, following a decision by the Turkish Information and Communication Technologies Authority In a recent announcement, Roblox indicated plans to establish a functional office in Türkiye if access is restored, hinting at the potential relaunch of the platform in the country.
The statement read, “We are prepared to open an office in Türkiye and hire a dedicated team, including local moderators who will provide services in the local language, should access to the platform be restored.”
“Roblox respects local laws and regulations in Türkiye. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and legal processes to prioritize the safety of players and developers while working towards restoring access to the platform,” the statement added.
New office to provide legal services
Reports suggest that the upcoming office will not only focus on commercial activities but also provide legal services, including rapid data sharing with Turkish authorities for crime prevention.
The company also announced plans to implement a special filtering system tailored to Türkiye, taking into account local values and cultural realities. In addition to standard security measures applicable worldwide, specific precautions will be introduced for Türkiye.
Roblox files appeal against acces ban in Türkiye
Furthermore, the gaming company has filed an appeal against the access ban, contesting the decision made by the Adana 6th Criminal Court of Peace on September 2, 2024. While officials did not comment on the specifics of the appeal or its progress, they reiterated that Roblox respects local laws and regulations in Türkiye and is collaborating with authorities to ensure user safety and restore access to the platform.
Roblox has over 80 million daily users globally, with 5% reportedly coming from Türkiye, making it a popular platform among children and teenagers. But the platform has come under fire in Türkiye for how it handles offensive material, particularly those which can endanger children.
Meanwhile, the company’s decision to open a local office indicates its readiness to adapt to Türkiye’s regulatory environment, suggesting a potential return to Türkiye as it seeks approval to lift the access ban.
