‘Disturbing’: Australian government demands review of Roblox’s PG rating after reports of child grooming
The Australian government is calling for a review of Roblox's PG rating due to alarming reports of child grooming and inappropriate content on the platform.
The Australian government, through Communications Minister Anika Wells, has expressed serious concern regarding the safety of children on the gaming platform Roblox. Reports of child grooming and exposure to harmful content have prompted the minister to demand an explanation from Roblox about its measures to safeguard young users. Specifically, Wells has requested that the Australian Classification Board examine the platform's PG rating to determine if it is appropriate given the ongoing allegations of exploitation and harmful material available to children.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has also reached out to Roblox, indicating plans to evaluate the platform's adherence to promises made about child safety. This includes the implementation of features that are designed to protect vulnerable users, such as disabling chat functions and ensuring that accounts for minors are set to private. The eSafety Commissioner’s comments highlight a broader governmental concern about the adequacy of existing measures to protect children from potential risks associated with online gaming.
This scrutiny comes on the heels of prior reports documented by outlets like Guardian Australia, where instances of virtual sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviors were reported within Roblox games. As the platform allows users to create and share their own game content, the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment is becoming increasingly critical, prompting governmental intervention to ensure that children are not exposed to detrimental experiences while gaming.