Australian Government Asks Roblox About Safety for Kids

The Australian government is looking closely at Roblox. They are worried about children's safety on the game after reports of bad content and people trying to harm kids. Roblox is working on new safety steps.
By Newsroom | Technology, Australia |

Recent reports detailing alleged child grooming and exposure to explicit content on the gaming platform Roblox have prompted the Australian government to formally request a review of its PG rating. This action signals growing concern from officials regarding the safety of young users on platforms not currently subject to the same strict regulations as traditional social media.

Escalating Concerns Over Online Child Safety

The Australian government, through Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, has intensified scrutiny on the online gaming platform Roblox. This follows a series of reports alleging that children can access inappropriate content and that predatory individuals are using the platform to target young users. The government is exploring various avenues to ensure the safety of children within the digital space, particularly on platforms that host user-generated content and social interactions.

Read More: Amazon Prime Was Faster and Saved People Money in 2025

  • Minister Rowland has expressed the government's intent to use new powers to hold platforms accountable.

  • eSafety Commissioner Inman Grant has stated that industry codes, including those applicable to Roblox, are designed to improve safety standards across the online environment.

  • Concerns have been amplified by recent legal actions, including charges laid against a Queensland man accused of targeting hundreds of children on various online platforms, including Roblox.

Platform Design and Regulatory Gaps

Roblox, a popular platform where users create and play games, allows for significant user interaction and content generation. This dynamic environment has, according to reports, enabled some users to expose children to mature themes and engage in predatory behaviour.

  • Reports suggest children can access spaces on Roblox intended for adult audiences, containing explicit sexual content.

  • Despite platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube being included in Australia's ban on social media accounts for users under 16, Roblox was excluded.

  • Officials argue that Roblox's interactive and content-creation features make it more than just a video game and suggest it should be subject to similar safety protocols.

Roblox's Response and New Safety Measures

In light of mounting pressure, Roblox has announced commitments to enhance its safety features and has begun implementing new age estimation technologies. These measures aim to restrict access to inappropriate content and limit harmful interactions between users.

Read More: Protests in Melbourne During Israeli President's Visit

  • Roblox stated it would require users to verify their age to reduce the risk of inappropriate conversations.

  • The platform indicated that users would only be permitted to chat with individuals within their own age group or adjacent age groups.

  • Roblox has committed to complying with Australia's online safety codes and standards, which are being expanded to cover age-inappropriate content such as online pornography and material related to self-harm.

Evidence of Exploitation and Inappropriate Content

Multiple reports have detailed disturbing incidents on Roblox, highlighting the platform's vulnerabilities. These include accounts of virtual sexual harassment, violence, and the alleged targeting of children by predators.

  • A report by Guardian Australia documented instances of virtual sexual harassment and violence on the platform.

  • A young gamer shared experiences of reporting predatory behaviour on Roblox multiple times.

  • The eSafety Commissioner has advised caregivers to remain vigilant and to report any predatory behaviour observed on Roblox to the eSafety commission, providing screenshots and Roblox report details.

Regulatory Responses and Future Implications

The Australian government is examining its regulatory options to address the safety concerns on platforms like Roblox. The introduction of new age-restricted material codes and the potential for a "digital duty of care" framework signal a proactive approach to online child protection.

Read More: Why Some Programmers Choose Special Languages

  • New codes addressing online pornography, high-impact violence, and self-harm are set to take effect.

  • The concept of a "digital duty of care" aims to place a greater onus on digital platforms to proactively safeguard their users, especially children.

  • The government is investigating further measures to regulate services like Roblox, indicating a commitment to addressing perceived gaps in current child protection laws.

Expert and Public Scrutiny

Experts and political figures have called for Roblox to be brought under the purview of Australia's social media ban for under-16s. The platform's classification as a game rather than a social media service has been questioned, given its interactive and communicative functionalities.

  • Experts and Members of Parliament have argued that Roblox should be included in the ban for users under 16.

  • The exclusion of Roblox from the ban has been seen by some as a missed opportunity to protect younger Australians.

  • The government has maintained that Roblox is not exempt from its responsibilities under the Online Safety Act, despite not being part of the social media ban.

Sources

Read More: Many Protests Happen in Australian Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Australian government looking at Roblox?
The government is worried about reports of children seeing bad content and being targeted by bad people on Roblox.
Q: What is Roblox doing?
Roblox is adding new ways to check ages and making sure players only talk to others close to their age.
Q: Is Roblox like other social media?
Some people think Roblox is more than just a game because of how users talk and create things, and should have the same rules as social media.
Q: What should parents do?
Parents should watch what their children do online and report any bad behavior they see on Roblox to the eSafety Commissioner.