UAE blocks Roblox, Blue Whale, Mariam other online games

The UAE’s attorney general has ordered the blocking of several online gaming sites and smartphone apps in the country due to concerns they are damaging children’s’ health.

The affected titles include massive multiplayer online game Roblox, doll app My Friend Cayla, Blue Whale, messaging app Cloudpets and Saudi online horror game Mariam, according to state news agency WAM.

“The move follows reports received by the Attorney General on the adverse impact of these games on youngsters’ behaviour and their infiltration into their personal and family lives, while pushing them into adopting forms of conduct that threaten the society,” according to the report.

Attorney general Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has assigned the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority to take necessary steps to restrict the site in collaboration with telecoms and internet providers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also been assigned to continue to investigate the content of other sites suspected of having a similar impact on young people and will report its findings to the Public Attorney

The Blue Whale Game has become a social media phenomenon over the last two years in various countries.

The game is said to involve the assigning of a series of tasks by administrators over a 50-day period, with the final challenge to commit suicide.

Gulf News reported said last month that Dubai Police were investigating whether the suicides of two Filipino students aged 15 and 16 were linked to the game.

Sharjah and Dubai Police also issued warnings to parents last year urging them not to allow their children to play Mariam, which has been compared to the Blue Whale Game.