Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation has decided to block the online gaming platform Roblox in the country, a senior official said on Sunday, as lawmakers debated broader measures to protect children from online risks.
Essam El-Amir, deputy chairman of the council, told the Senate that the decision was taken in coordination with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority. He said two other websites “promoting cohabitation” among young people would also be blocked, adding that nearly 30 million Egyptians use them.
The announcement came during a Senate session chaired by Speaker Essam Farid that discussed motions on the dangers of internet platforms and mobile phone use among children.
The debate followed President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s call on Jan. 24, during Police Day celebrations, for legislation to curb children’s access to mobile phones and social media.
Senator Walaa Hermas Radwan had earlier proposed regulating Roblox, citing concerns about inappropriate content and potential psychological harm. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum voiced support for legislative, regulatory, and awareness measures to safeguard children.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mahmoud Fawzy said the government was working on a legal framework to regulate children’s use of digital platforms, drawing on international examples including Australia and Brazil.
“I speak as a father as well as a minister,” Fawzy told the chamber, warning of risks such as anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and sleep disorders.
Psychiatrist and Senator Mohab Megahed said legislation alone would not be sufficient, urging stronger parental awareness programs and the completion of a planned “children’s SIM card” project to restrict minors’ access to digital content.
Other senators raised concerns about the lack of offline alternatives for children, pointing to the decline of school sports, theater programs, and public parks.
Actor and Senator Yasser Galal called for digital citizenship education in school curricula, while Wafd Party member Khaled Kandel proposed age-based restrictions, nighttime limits for children under 16, and the creation of a national child digital safety council.
El-Sisi noted in his Jan. 24 remarks that countries such as Australia and Britain have introduced laws limiting phone use for minors.
Australia’s updated Online Safety Act, effective Dec. 10, 2025, set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, requiring platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to block younger users. Denmark is also considering restrictions for children under 15, with possible parental exceptions for those aged 13 and 14.
