فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, announced the preparation of a new legislative project aimed at protecting children from risks associated with online gaming platforms such as Roblox and Free Fire, following widespread debate about their impact on Moroccan youth. This announcement came in response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by Counselor Khaled Souti, member of the National Union of Workers in Morocco, with the minister emphasizing the need for a legislative framework ensuring responsible and safe use of these platforms, in coordination with relevant authorities.
Bensaid explained in his written response that the project focuses on building “specialized and comprehensive national legislation,” inspired by international experiences proving that prohibition is not an effective solution. Instead, the focus should be on integrated systems protecting minors and consumers while regulating the market and supporting innovation. He confirmed that this framework will place Morocco at the forefront of regional leaders in regulating the electronic gaming sector.
Joint Efforts with Ministries and Regulatory Bodies
The Ministry of Health will be involved in this initiative to develop programs monitoring the effects of digital addiction on children’s physical and psychological health, including scientific studies and preventive programs. The Ministry of National Education will also participate through awareness campaigns in schools and integration of educational units on digital literacy in extracurricular activities to enhance awareness among students and parents.
Additionally, the ministry plans to collaborate with regulatory bodies and local operators to develop technical tools enabling parents to control available content and usage duration, such as parental control applications and time limits. The future legislative framework is expected to include a national system for age-based game classification, content regulation, licensing and oversight mechanisms, in addition to protecting minors, preventing addiction, regulating commercial practices, and protecting personal data.
Context: Debate Over Roblox and Free Fire Risks in Morocco
Recent months have witnessed widespread debate about the risks of these platforms, especially after a warning issued by MP Fatima Zahra Afif last September, where she warned of “deviations” in Roblox, which attracts millions of children under 14. The warnings pointed to risks such as sexual exploitation of minors, excessive spending leading to family debt, privacy violations, and even use of the platform for purposes threatening national security. Free Fire raised similar concerns due to its violent content and potential for addiction, despite its popularity in esports such as the 2025 “Battle of Morocco” championship, organized by the ministry itself last June with prizes reaching 100,000 dirhams.
Regionally, Roblox has been banned in Algeria since September 2025 for similar security reasons, reinforcing the need for balanced regulation in Morocco. Bensaid confirmed that creating a safe digital environment for youth requires adopting a national law specific to electronic games, combining protection with encouragement of innovation in a rapidly growing sector.
Brief Timeline of Major Developments in Electronic Gaming Regulation Issue in Morocco:
| Date | Major Event |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Parliamentary warning from MP Afif about Roblox risks, demanding preventive measures. |
| June 2025 | Organization of Morocco Gaming Expo, including Free Fire tournament, to promote esports. |
| December 2025 | Bensaid’s response to Souti’s inquiry: announcement of comprehensive legislative project to regulate platforms. |
This project represents a strategic step toward enhancing digital safety in Morocco while preserving the sector’s role in entertainment and education, with expectations of its launch in the coming months.
