RIYADH: Roblox has confirmed that it has complied with the requirements of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media in Saudi Arabia, which include suspending voice and text chats in the game throughout the Kingdom. The move is intended to enhance digital safety for children and young users.
In a statement, the company said: “Following discussions with several government entities, including the General Commission for Audiovisual Media in Saudi Arabia, we are committed to enhancing our communication and content moderation capabilities in Arabic to ensure a safer experience for players.”
Roblox noted that it will rely on advanced artificial intelligence technologies as well as specialized Arabic-speaking moderators to oversee content, while the suspension of chat features in the Kingdom will remain in place temporarily until more effective tools are developed.
“This step reflects our commitment to working closely with GCAM to build a platform that serves the needs of the gaming and creative community in the Kingdom,” the company added, “while also supporting skills development, education, and the growing creator economy.”
GCAM emphasized that these measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to protect children and society from the negative effects of online gaming. The commission said the agreement with Roblox has resulted in providing a safer digital environment for children, teenagers, and youth in the Kingdom and the wider region, fostering positive values and preventing harmful behavioral outcomes.
It emphasized that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its regional and global influence through Roblox’s compliance, including the blocking of inappropriate and indecent search results in the platform. Protecting young people from digital risks, GCAM added, is a top priority for the Kingdom, which continues to advance strategic plans for monitoring content, developing reporting mechanisms, and encouraging positive uses of modern technologies.
The commission pointed out that these measures reflect the Kingdom’s strong regulatory impact in removing harmful content while at the same time preserving the creative features that help young people develop skills, learn, and contribute to the growth of the creative economy. The move is part of an ongoing series of initiatives aimed at securing a safe digital environment that empowers future generations to innovate, create, and manage content effectively.
GCAM further explained that the suspension of chat features was introduced as a temporary measure until more effective tools for the moderation of Arabic digital content are finalized. It said the actions taken demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building effective partnerships with global platforms to create a digital space that aligns with Saudi and Arab culture while meeting the needs of players and creators.
The decision sparked mixed reactions among parents, with some welcoming the move and others expressing reservations.
Noor Fadel, a mother of two, said: “I have a different perspective. The game’s beauty lies in the interaction — voice, visuals, and writing. With proper parental supervision, children can learn communication, language, and writing. But I do understand this decision for the greater good.”
Mashael Al Sahli, whose daughters are in elementary school, supported the measure, saying: “Children spend long hours on these games, and suspending chats reduces risks, especially since many parents cannot monitor everything all the time.”
Haneen Said, a mother of two teenagers, considers the move a positive one, but that it should remain temporary: “I support regulation, not banning. I hope chat features will return once effective monitoring tools are in place, because our kids also need interaction and learning through these platforms.”
