Turkey has added Roblox to its list of banned online platforms, citing concerns about child safety. The Adana 6th Criminal Court of Peace ordered the block, claiming that the platform hosts content that could potentially lead to child abuse.
This decision aligns with Turkey's recent actions to restrict access to various online platforms. Wattpad, a global story-sharing platform, was banned in July, while Instagram was temporarily blocked in early August. The government has justified these bans by invoking child protection and public order concerns.
However, critics argue that these actions represent a broader crackdown on digital freedoms and an attempt to control online discourse. Turkey has introduced a series of stringent laws and regulations that grant the government increased control over digital platforms.
The ban on Roblox is particularly significant given its popularity in Turkey, which boasts the fifth-highest number of users globally. The platform enables users to create and share their own games, fostering a vibrant online community, especially among teenagers.
Turkey's actions highlight the ongoing tension between governments and online platforms, particularly regarding content moderation and child safety. While the government asserts its commitment to protecting children, concerns persist about the potential impact of these restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information.
