Egyptian Member of Parliament submitted an urgent inquiry on Sunday to the Prime Minister and several ministers regarding the Roblox online gaming platform, deeming it a “threat” to national security.
A member of the Justice Party, MP Sahar Othman, said that her inquiry was directed to the Prime Minister, relevant ministers, and the National Council for Motherhood and Childhood, due to the widespread popularity of the Roblox platform and the “increasing risks it presents to children and youth in an open digital environment lacking sufficient oversight and controls.”
The MP noted that the platform facilitates direct communication between children and strangers from around the world, in addition to the ability to create content and games without effective supervision, resulting in a growing number of complaints from the community.
Othman explained that the warnings concern the presence of content unsuitable for young children, the risks of exploitation, harassment, cyberbullying, and the negative impact on societal values, in addition to cases of addiction, social isolation, and psychological and behavioral disorders.
The MP added that these risks constitute a clear violation of Article 80 of the Egyptian Constitution, which obligates the state to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, or exploitation, as well as a violation of the Child Law, which mandates providing a safe and healthy environment for children’s upbringing.
She noted that several countries are moving towards banning, restricting, or strictly regulating this platform.
The MP called on the government to clarify its position on Roblox, outline the role of relevant ministries and agencies in protecting children, consider restricting or blocking the platform or its riskier features, and launch national awareness campaigns for families.
