Roblox announces Türkiye office to moderate content
The Roblox logo is displayed on a banner, to celebrate the company's IPO, on the front facade of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 10, 2021.
Roblox, the online gaming platform, has announced plans to open an office in Türkiye following the government’s decision to block access to the platform earlier this year. The company’s move aims to address concerns raised by Turkish authorities, who cited issues of child exploitation and inappropriate content as reasons for the platform’s ban in August.
The platform was blocked by Türkiye’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) following a court ruling from the Adana 6th Criminal Court of Peace, which found that Roblox hosted content deemed harmful to children, along with other reasons for Türkiye to ban Roblox.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunc confirmed the decision, stating that it was essential to “ensure the protection of our children,” as required by the country’s legal framework.
In response, Roblox issued a statement reiterating its commitment to local laws and expressing a desire to work closely with authorities to restore access. “Roblox believes it can play a positive role in Turkish society by offering a platform for learning, creativity, and meaningful connection,” the company said. They added, “We are committed to collaborating with authorities to address the country’s unique needs.”
The company also announced plans to establish a local presence in Türkiye. “If access to the platform is restored, we have a plan in place to open an office and hire a dedicated team in Türkiye, including additional local language moderators,” Roblox stated. The move is seen as part of Roblox’s broader strategy to comply with local regulations and provide better oversight of content on the platform.
Roblox emphasized its respect for Turkish laws, noting that the safety of its users, particularly young players, remains a top priority. “We are actively engaged with local authorities and the legal process to restore access to the platform, while ensuring the safety of players and developers,” the statement read.
The platform’s ban in Türkiye followed similar actions against other social media giants. In August, Instagram, owned by Meta, was also blocked for not complying with specific local laws and public sensitivities. The ban on Instagram was revoked only after Türkiye’s extensive negotiations with Meta.
With over 80 million daily users worldwide, reportedly 5% of which is from Türkiye, Roblox has become a popular platform among children and teenagers, offering not only gaming but also opportunities to create and share custom game scenarios. However, the platform has faced scrutiny over its handling of inappropriate content, especially those that could pose risks to minors.
It remains unclear when the access ban on Roblox will be lifted, but the company’s move to establish a local office indicates a willingness to adapt to Türkiye’s regulatory environment. For now, discussions between Roblox and Turkish authorities continue, with both sides working toward a resolution.
