Graham Fraser covers the latest technology news and updates. Roblox, a popular gaming platform, has implemented new safety measures allowing parents to block specific games and experiences for their children. The platform aims to provide more transparency regarding the games young users are engaging with. These measures are targeted toward children under the age of 13 with parental controls enabled on their accounts. This move follows a statement by Roblox’s CEO advising parents to keep their children off the platform if they are uncomfortable with it.
The BBC’s investigation discovered concerning game titles recommended to an 11-year-old user on Roblox, such as “Late Night Boys And Girls Club RP” and “Shoot down planes…because why not?” Parents can now block these titles and manage their child’s friend list more efficiently. Additional enhancements include the ability to view top games played by their child over the last week along with the duration spent on each one. This initiative comes after a set of safety measures introduced in the previous year, further improving parental controls.
Feedback from parents reflects a mix of opinions regarding Roblox and its safety measures. While some parents appreciate the changes made for younger users, others express the need for more extensive measures to safeguard children online. Concerns regarding user authentication and the persistence of grooming incidents remain at the forefront. Despite Roblox’s zero-tolerance policy for exploiting minors, parents stress the importance of robust systems to trace and address such issues effectively, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement.
Kathryn Foley, whose daughter Helene regularly uses Roblox, plans to utilize the game blocking feature to monitor her daughter’s gaming activities. These new features provide parents with greater control over their child’s interactions and game choices, promoting a safer online environment. Meanwhile, Roblox expands its voice safety AI model to moderate voice chats among players in various languages. Additionally, the platform introduces changes to its advertising model, enabling players to earn in-game currency by watching ads. The ongoing developments aim to enhance the overall safety and user experience on Roblox
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
