The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has held an online meeting with representatives of the Roblox global platform to discuss growing concerns regarding child safety. During the session, Azerbaijani officials warned that the platform's activities could be restricted in Azerbaijan if comprehensive measures are not taken to protect young users from digital threats.
According to information provided by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee, emphasized that ensuring the protection of children's rights and their development in a secure environment is a top priority of state policy in Azerbaijan. Muradova highlighted critical risks such as the involvement of minors in communication with unknown individuals, exposure to bullying and cyberbullying, and the manipulation of children into unsupervised digital environments. She noted that while some steps have been taken by the platform to mitigate risks, the current situation necessitates more stringent protective measures.
Roblox representatives presented the platform's educational capabilities and outlined existing safety features, including age verification systems, parental control tools, and moderation mechanisms. They acknowledged the concerns raised by the Azerbaijani side and committed to implementing practical measures to eliminate these risks, with initial results expected to be visible by April. The platform's representatives expressed their interest in continued cooperation with Azerbaijan to ensure a safe digital environment for users.
The potential restriction of Roblox in Azerbaijan follows a global trend where governments are increasingly scrutinizing social gaming platforms for their impact on youth mental health and safety. Roblox, which boasts millions of active daily users worldwide, has faced similar challenges in various jurisdictions regarding content moderation and the prevention of predatory behavior. The State Committee's firm stance reflects Azerbaijan's broader strategy to regulate the digital space and uphold traditional family values against harmful online content.
