Tajikistan Bans GTA and Counter-Strike Over Crime Concerns

Tajikistan has officially banned the distribution of the popular video games Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Counter-Strike, citing concerns that these games encourage players, particularly young people, to commit various crimes.

The country's interior ministry stated that the violent and immoral content of these games negatively influences youth, prompting authorities in the capital, Dushanbe, to conduct raids on gaming centers suspected of selling them.

The ministry emphasized the need for parental supervision, urging families to discourage children from playing games that promote violence, theft, and criminal behavior. This move is part of a broader trend where several countries have imposed restrictions on video games due to concerns over their content.

Earlier this year, Turkey blocked access to the gaming platform Roblox over fears of child exploitation, which led to protests under the hashtag #FreeRoblox. Similarly, Kuwait recently denied the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, prompting Activision to issue refunds for pre-orders. These actions highlight ongoing debates surrounding video game content and its impact on society.