Roblox is Now Inaccessible in Qatar
Access to Roblox blocked amidst safety concerns as parents debate online protections and moral values.
- Publish date: since hour Reading time: 1 min read
Roblox, a globally popular gaming and creation platform, has suddenly become inaccessible in Qatar.
Starting August 12, users across the country reported being unable to access the app or site. Launching the platform now results in a “No Network. Please try when connected to the internet” message, while the web version returns a "This site can't be reached" error.
Experts from Ooni, a non-profit initiative that monitors internet censorship, confirmed that Roblox showed access anomalies in Qatar as of 7:32 am on Wednesday, August 13. Interestingly, the app remains downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play, although access is effectively blocked upon using it.
While authorities have not issued an official statement, public discourse suggests the block follows a recent social media campaign highlighting child safety concerns. Users and commentators cited worries that Roblox contradicts Qatar’s moral values, traditions, and cultural norms, with calls for a ban gaining traction online.
Some parents welcomed the possibility of a ban, suggesting it could alleviate their burden in policing their children's online activity. Others appealed for less drastic alternatives, such as increasing age restrictions or enforcing better parental controls, rather than outright blocking the platform.
Roblox’s popularity remains undiminished globally. By June 2025, it was the most-downloaded gaming app on Google Play, and it has surpassed 1.5 billion downloads across platforms.