MANILA — A growing number of parents are expressing support for a proposed ban on the online gaming platform Roblox in the Philippines, following warnings from authorities that the app is being misused by cybercriminals and could expose children to harmful content.
Some parents say the platform has negatively affected their children’s behavior and focus. Josephine Caber, whose 10-year-old son spends hours on the app, said she noticed him becoming more irritable and easily frustrated while playing. “He gets loud and angry when he loses in the game,” she said, adding that she has since limited his screen time.
Others, like grandparent Milo Florendo, shared similar worries, saying his grandchildren have become distracted from schoolwork and less respectful at home. “They used to do their assignments right away. Now, they’re glued to their screens,” he said.
Authorities Warn of Criminal Exploitation
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has raised alarms over the platform’s potential misuse for illegal activities, including child exploitation, drug trading, and arms deals. CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso said investigators have monitored conversations linked to such activities within the app.
Officials also pointed out that some user-created games on Roblox contain violent or mature themes, which may not be suitable for minors. One ongoing investigation involves students allegedly influenced through the platform to plan a school attack in Laguna.
Paraiso said the app’s safety and messaging features are inadequate, allowing inappropriate content and interactions to reach young users. The CICC has formally notified Roblox’s management to address these issues, warning that failure to cooperate could result in restrictions or a full suspension of the platform in the country.
Debate Over Internet Regulation
The proposed ban comes shortly after similar government moves to restrict encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Telegram, and following the mistaken blocking of Tumblr, which was briefly flagged as a gambling site.
Digital rights groups — including Democracy.Net.PH, Data and AI Ethics PH, and the Computer Professionals’ Union — have cautioned against what they call “arbitrary blocking” of online platforms. They argue that such actions could violate due process and set a dangerous precedent for internet freedom. Democracy.Net.PH also cited a Supreme Court ruling that requires a court order before any online service can be blocked.
The CICC said it continues to monitor Roblox through its threat detection systems and has given the company until the end of the month to respond. Authorities are also urging parents to stay alert and actively guide their children’s online activities.
