On September 8, 2025, Algeria blocked access to Roblox, one of the world’s most popular online gaming and social platforms. The move left millions of players unable to log in and reflects a growing global trend of limiting online platforms in the name of safety.
Why Algeria banned Roblox
Officials explained that the ban was driven by Roblox’s growing popularity among children under 10 and the platform’s limited monitoring tools to protect them, citing risks such as harassment and privacy breaches.
Algeria isn’t the only country to take this step. Just weeks earlier, Qatar and Kuwait also banned Roblox(new window) due to child protection concerns. Other nations in the region — including Oman, Jordan, and the UAE — have imposed restrictions in recent years due to the challenge of keeping children safe online.
Is Roblox safe for kids?
Roblox has faced lawsuits(new window) and criticism for exposing kids to inappropriate content, online predators, and weak age verification. These issues help explain why governments have taken drastic steps like outright bans.
But parents and caregivers can take a different approach and have an honest conversation with children about the dangers of playing Roblox. One of the most effective ways to protect children is simply to stay engaged by checking in regularly about what games they play, who they meet online, and how the experience makes them feel.
Find out more in our Roblox safety guide for kids(new window).
Stay connected with Proton VPN
When Algeria’s Roblox ban took effect, we saw a 930% spike in Proton VPN sign-ups, showing how quickly people turn to VPN (virtual private network) services when governments restrict access to popular platforms.
At Proton, we believe it’s possible to protect children online while also respecting digital rights. We build free, open-source tools like Proton VPN so people everywhere can stay informed, safeguard their privacy, and maintain access to an open internet.
