Saudi Arabia has taken significant action to block more than 300,000 inappropriate games on the popular online platform Roblox. This initiative is part of a broader media reform strategy aimed at safeguarding families and reinforcing accountability in the digital realm.
The move follows the implementation of new media regulations by the General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR). These guidelines, as outlined by the Ministry of Media, are intended to ensure that digital content aligns with Saudi cultural values. At a press conference in Riyadh, Media Minister Salman Al Dossary confirmed that, in partnership with Saudi authorities, Roblox has agreed to disable voice and text chat features and restrict games flagged for violations until enhanced monitoring tools are put in place. He emphasized the importance of parental supervision and using age-appropriate content.
Minister Al Dossary explained that GAMR has established clear standards to help creators understand and avoid content violations. Workshops have been organized to raise awareness about these standards. He also highlighted the central role of Saudi Arabia’s moral values in combating harmful content, asserting that decisive action is essential to protect the society. “Combating harmful content that contradicts societal values requires decisive action,” he said.
Al Dossary also stressed that public rejection of harmful content is vital for its eradication, urging citizens to ignore negative material. He reassured that harmful content accounts for less than one percent of total media output, while positive content, which focuses on education and promoting Saudi values, makes up the vast majority.
He expressed his satisfaction with the public’s strong response to the new guidelines, calling it a “historic journey” that is turning ambitious goals into measurable achievements. Al Dossary also mentioned Saudi Arabia’s increasing global presence in the media sector, referencing the recent success of six Saudi organizations, which won nine awards at the Sharjah Government Communication Awards. Additionally, over 14 companies have applied for the Media Fellowship Program, which will provide over 200 training opportunities in digital media, filmmaking, gaming, and data analytics.
