Hontiveros seeks probe into Roblox, other online games amid child safety concerns

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros filed Monday a resolution seeking an investigation, in aid of legislation, into online gaming platforms such as Roblox after they were linked to alleged illegal activities.

Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 357, directing the panel to conduct the probe with the end in view of recommending the establishment of mandatory age verification protocols and child safety standards to prevent Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), grooming, violent radicalization, and other emerging digital threats consistent with international best practices and child safety laws.

The senator pointed out that online gaming platforms such as Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Free Fire, and similar multiplayer environments enable real-time communication and interaction among users, including minors, often without reliable mechanisms to verify age or identity. 

“It is the responsibility of digital platforms operating within the Philippines to exercise a duty of care toward Filipino children and to implement reasonable safeguards proportionate to the risks present in their services,” Hontiveros said. 

Given the rapid advancement in gaming technologies, she also stressed that Congress must work on legislation or regulatory frameworks to strengthen digital literacy and responsible gaming education for children, as well as address the mental health implications of excessive online gaming. 

“Effective regulation of online platforms must balance child protection, digital innovation, and user privacy, and should therefore focus on risk-based safety measures rather than outright prohibition of online services,” she added. 

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) earlier said it is considering a nationwide ban on Roblox. The agency gave the online gaming platform one month to address threat actors like pedophiles and drug traffickers allegedly using the app as “hunting grounds” for underage users.

The CICC likewise threatened to mandate that internet service providers and telecommunications companies block access to servers and de-list the app on Play Store and App Store. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News