BAGHDAD, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Iraq has banned U.S.

user-generated videogame platform Roblox ( RBLX ) due to

concerns over child abuse, the government said, joining other

countries in cracking down on virtual worlds.

The government said late on Sunday that the ban was

motivated by concerns that the game allowed direct communication

between users in ways that exposed children and adolescents to

attempts of exploitation or cyber-extortion, and that its

content was "incompatible with social values and traditions".

Roblox Corp ( RBLX ), which develops the online game creation system

and user-generated-content platform, did not immediately respond

to a Reuters request for comment on the ban. The company has

previously said it "respects the laws and regulations in

countries where we operate and share local lawmakers' commitment

to children".

The Iraqi communications ministry said the nationwide ban

was based on a comprehensive study and field monitoring which

found that "the game involves several security, social, and

behavioral risks".

The move places Iraq among several Middle East countries

tightening regulation of online gaming and interactive platforms

over child safety and moral concerns. Turkey blocked access to

Roblox ( RBLX ) in August 2024, also citing child abuse risks.