DICT puts Roblox on notice following worries about child safety

MANILA, Philippines – Secretary Henry Aguda of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday, March 18, announced that it was putting online video game and creative platform Roblox on notice, citing reports of it being used for sexual predation, grooming, and exploitation of Filipino minors.

Aguda, in a Facebook post, threatened Roblox with restrictions or suspension if it failed to tighten its child safety systems and cooperate with the Philippine government.

Roblox, which serves about 380 million users monthly, has long been a creative space for people of all ages to play and build, but it has also been at the center of controversy as it has become a vector for predators to exploit children and teens.

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In recent days, attention has also been placed on Roblox due to bad actors using it to indoctrinate the young into extremism or other violent subcultures.

It is unclear if the threat to restrict or take down Roblox in the country will be followed through via a court order, or by a unilateral action on the part of the government. – Rappler.com

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