Roblox plans to open an office in Türkiye if access to the platform is restored

ISTANBUL: Video game platform Roblox announced Tuesday that it plans to open an office in Turkey in accordance with local laws if access to the platform is restored, which Ankara has blocked due to concerns that certain content could lead to child abuse.

In August, Turkey’s justice minister said access to Roblox had been blocked under a court order “to ensure the protection of our children” while an investigation was conducted.

Roblox said it believed it could play a positive role in society by providing “a platform for learning, creating and meaningful connection”, adding that it was committed to discussing with Turkish authorities the “needs unique” of Turkey.

“We have a plan in place to open an office and hire a dedicated team in Turkey, including additional moderators in local languages, in case access to the platform is restored,” he said.

“Roblox complies with local laws and regulations in Turkey. We are actively engaged with local authorities and legal proceedings to restore access to the platform, while prioritizing the safety of players and developers in Turkey.”

The Roblox ban was imposed a week after Turkey blocked access to Meta-owned social media platform Instagram in a move it said was due to Instagram’s failure to comply with certain laws and public sensitivities.