Iraq has officially banned the popular U.S. gaming platform Roblox, accusing it of promoting sexual and blasphemous content and of facilitating online blackmail targeting minors, the Ministry of Communications announced late Sunday.

The ministry said the decision was taken “to protect social order, preserve moral values, and safeguard the safety of internet users in Iraq.” It added that the measure was enacted “in accordance with the rulings of the Supreme Court.”

According to the government statement, the California-based company was accused of hosting content that included “sexual material, foul language, acts of blackmail, and profanity,” all of which, officials said, represented “serious security and social risks.”

Authorities also cited a chat feature within the platform that allows users to communicate directly — a function the ministry warned could expose children and teenagers to exploitation, manipulation, or blackmail by strangers online. The government further claimed that several forms of user-generated content in the game contradicted Iraqi cultural and religious values.

Roblox, launched in 2006, has become one of the most widely used virtual gaming environments, allowing users to create, share, and play games built by others. Despite its popularity, the platform has repeatedly faced global criticism for not doing enough to shield its youngest users from inappropriate or predatory behavior.

In a similar development last month, Australia’s eSafety Commission announced that Roblox had agreed to introduce a series of protective measures aimed at reducing the risk of adult grooming. These steps include disabling direct chat features for unverified accounts and restricting adults from communicating with users under 16 years old.

Industry data shows Roblox attracts approximately 100 million daily active users, with children under 13 making up around 40 percent of its global player base as of 2024.

The Iraqi government’s decision adds to a growing list of countries and regulators scrutinizing major online platforms over their role in child safety, online morality, and digital security, signaling an expanding global debate over how virtual spaces are monitored and controlled.