When will Roblox and Discord be unblocked? Minister Uraloğlu explains the condition

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made important statements regarding the popular digital platforms Discord and Roblox, which have been inaccessible from Turkey for some time. Responding to questions from members of the press after the "Reaching and Accessible Turkey 2053 Inter-University R&D Idea Competition Award Ceremony," Uraloğlu reported that the process regarding the access bans is still ongoing.

"CERTAIN CONTENT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED"

Reminding that the access bans on Roblox and Discord were imposed as a result of a legal process, Uraloğlu said that the platforms are holding meetings with the authorized institutions. However, he emphasized that results have not yet been achieved regarding the removal and regulation of content:

"This situation is not solely under the jurisdiction of the Ministry or the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Negotiations with Discord and Roblox are continuing. A step has been taken toward removing certain content, but the process is not yet complete. Once this content is removed, it may be possible for them to be reopened through the same legal process."

THE REQUEST RAISED BY MHP'S AHEN DORA IS ON THE AGENDA

The statement came after Ahen Dora, the daughter of MHP Kahramanmaraş Deputy Zuhal Karakoç Dora, brought up the request for the reopening of Discord and Roblox during a visit to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. Minister Uraloğlu also stated that they are closely following the demands coming from the public.

"I hope this content is removed from the platforms soon, and we will then carry out the necessary procedures."

NEW REGULATION FOR USERS UNDER 16 ON INSTAGRAM

Minister Uraloğlu also touched upon the new decisions taken by Meta for its Instagram platform. He said they welcome the company's implementation, which prevents users under 16 from starting live broadcasts without parental consent and from turning off the blurring feature in private messages.

"We had previously informed Meta on this matter. It is valuable that they have taken such a decision. However, we will not be satisfied with this; we are conducting studies for further regulations. I believe we will take the necessary steps within this year."

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

Roblox was blocked from access by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) on August 7, 2024. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç had stated the reason for the access ban on Roblox as 'containing content that would lead to the abuse of children.' 

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in his latest statement, had said that both Discord and Roblox officials were in contact with them and that there were efforts to remove some content. Uraloğlu had signaled that the platforms could be reopened if they carry out the requested work.