SYDNEY — Feb 10 (GeokHub) - Australia’s government has requested an urgent meeting with online gaming platform Roblox following reports of child grooming and exposure to graphic content, as regulators move to assess whether the company has met its safety commitments.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said she had written to the U.S.-listed company to express serious concern over allegations that children were being targeted by predators and exposed to harmful material while using the platform.
“The reports we’re hearing about children encountering graphic content and being groomed online are deeply disturbing,” Wells said, adding that Australian families expect stronger protections from platforms popular with young users.
Regulator to Test Safety Measures
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner said it would examine whether Roblox’s child-protection systems are functioning as promised, including age-based restrictions introduced last year to limit communication between users of different age groups.
The regulator warned it could seek penalties of up to A$49.5 million if the platform is found to have breached the country’s online child safety laws.
“We remain highly concerned by continued reports of child exploitation and exposure to harmful material on the service,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
Relationship Under Strain
Roblox had previously been praised by Australian authorities after introducing age-assurance features in 2025, a move that helped the platform avoid being included in a national social media ban that took effect in December.
The latest concerns, however, signal a sharp shift in the government’s stance and raise questions about whether those safeguards are being effectively enforced.
Roblox did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The platform, which has millions of young users globally, now faces increased scrutiny as Australian officials weigh further regulatory action to protect children online.
