Australia’s online safety regulator has intensified its review of gaming platform Roblox, raising concerns about child safety and warning that the company could face penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million ($35 million) if it fails to meet its obligations under new legislation.
The action follows the rollout of stricter online safety rules last year that restrict access to certain digital services for users under 16. Communications Minister Anika Wells and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner have contacted Roblox regarding reports of graphic and harmful user-generated content accessible to minors, and have asked the Australian Classification Board to reconsider the platform’s current rating.
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The eSafety office said it plans to directly test Roblox’s implementation of nine safety commitments made to the regulator, including tighter controls on private accounts for users under 16 and limits on voice chat functions for those aged 13 to 15. Some of these measures, such as facial age verification for chat access, have already been introduced globally.
Regulators remain concerned about reports of child exploitation, exposure to explicit or self-harm-related material, and allegations that predators have used gaming platforms to contact minors. Depending on the findings of its compliance review, the eSafety Commissioner could pursue enforcement action, including financial penalties.
See also: Roblox to Enforce Global Facial Recognition Age Checks as Safety Rules Expand
The scrutiny in Australia comes as authorities in the United States and other jurisdictions step up oversight of online platforms popular with younger users, increasing pressure on companies such as Roblox to demonstrate that their safety systems are effective.
Source: PCGamer