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

user-generated videogame platform Roblox ( RBLX ) due to

concerns over child safety, 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 ) said safety was its top priority and it wanted

to work with the government to restore access.

"We strongly contest recent claims made by the Iraqi

authorities, which we believe to be based on an outdated

understanding of our platform," a Roblox ( RBLX ) spokesperson said.

Earlier this year, Roblox ( RBLX ) temporarily suspended certain

communication features such as in-game chat for users in Arabic

speaking countries, including Iraq, the spokesperson added.

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

behavioural 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.