More and more countries are restricting the sale of certain video games. Tajikistan recently banned GTA and Counter-Strike completely. By Western standards, this measure is considered highly questionable. So how do the countries concerned justify these far-reaching bans?
Tajikistan has banned the video games Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Counter-Strike over concerns about their potential influence on criminal behavior. The Interior Ministry announced that police in Dushanbe will carry out checks in gaming centers to prevent the sale of these titles.
“Teenagers and young adults who regularly play these games come under their negative influence and commit various crimes,” the ministry said, urging parents to monitor their children's activities and discourage them from playing games that promote ‘murder, theft and violence’.
Both games contain violent elements, which raises concerns that they may encourage aggressive behavior, especially among young players who do not directly experience penalties and moral consequences in a fictional world. But is this one off or should we expect more of it?
A one-off ban, or a political trend?
This measure is part of a global development: In Turkey, access to the gaming platform Roblox was blocked in August due to concerns about potential child exploitation.
According to media reports, some adults, including known sex offenders, have used the platform to target children and make contact with them.
At the same time, young developers on Roblox expressed concern about possible financial disadvantages through the platform.
The ban sparked considerable protests in Turkey, with many children taking to the streets. At the same time, a larger online movement emerged under the hashtag #FreeRoblox, which also gained international support. In October, Kuwait refused to release Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, whereupon Activision refunded all pre-orders. The exact reasons for this decision are still unknown.
What do you think of these measures? Are they justified in terms of the protection of minors and does the censorship go too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!