AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Parents in the UAE have welcomed recent safety enhancements to Roblox, an online gaming platform popular among children. In a recent advisory, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced that certain features have been disabled and content moderation strengthened, as part of broader efforts to create a safer digital environment for young users.
The new changes, implemented in collaboration with Roblox, include temporary disabling of certain communication features, such as in-experience chats; enhanced moderation for content and communication in Arabic; and improvements to existing safety measures and parental controls.
Mariam Al Hasani, a mother of two, said it was a “much-needed change”.
“I’ve always worried about the people my kids might be communicating with on the internet. I feel more at ease knowing that the chat features are turned off, at least for the time being,” she told Aletihad.
Fahad Mohammad, a parent of three young gamers, called the decision reassuring, saying it showed that “someone is genuinely listening to our concerns”.
“The absence of [protective measures] in online gaming was concerning for many of us. This ruling demonstrates that safety can be given top priority without sacrificing enjoyment,” Mohammad said.
Khayal Abu Bakar, whose 10-year-old daughter regularly plays Roblox, added: “For families who want their kids to enjoy digital platforms without the risks, this move feels like a win.”
“Seeing cooperation between a worldwide platform and our local government is encouraging,” Abu Bakar said.
The close collaboration between the TDRA and Roblox will continue “to ensure a safe, trusted, and positive digital environment for all users in the UAE, especially children”, the authority said.
Even with the strengthened safety measures, the TDRA reminded parents of their crucial role in supervising their children’s online activities.
Young gamers should be monitored while using the platform, and parents are encouraged to maintain open conversations with their children about their digital experiences.
Additionally, parents are urged to share feedback and suggestions, which can be submitted through Roblox’s reporting channels or directly to the TDRA.