DICT to Roblox: protect children or face restriction

The Philippine government is stepping up its push for stronger online child protection, this time placing Roblox under scrutiny over alleged risks to minors.

Why it matters: Online platforms are widely used by young Filipinos for gaming and social interaction. If safety systems fail, these spaces can become entry points for abuse, making stronger enforcement critical to protect children.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have issued a warning to Roblox following reports that the platform is being used for sexual predation, grooming, and exploitation involving Filipino children. Authorities said the platform can no longer be considered a safe space if minors are being exposed to harm.

The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize child safety online. Officials stressed that no platform is exempt from Philippine laws, especially when it comes to protecting minors.

According to DICT and CICC, Roblox has been formally placed on notice. The agencies warned that failure to address the reported issues could lead to restrictions or even suspension of the platform’s access in the Philippines.

The government is also requiring Roblox to implement stricter child safety systems and moderation measures. This includes improving detection and prevention of harmful behavior, as well as ensuring faster response to reports involving minors.

Authorities are also calling for full cooperation with Philippine regulators and law enforcement. This may involve sharing relevant data for investigations and aligning platform policies with local child protection laws.

This development comes after similar actions taken by the government in recent months against platforms such as Meta, X, and Telegram, which were also flagged over concerns related to online safety and illegal activities.

Officials emphasized that digital platforms must take responsibility for user safety, especially for children. They added that online spaces meant for play and interaction should not put minors at risk.

As the government tightens oversight, the pressure is now on Roblox to respond and implement changes. Will the platform act quickly enough to avoid possible restrictions in the Philippines?