Ankara: The Dutch government has announced an investigation into potential security and child safety risks on the online gaming platform Roblox. This decision comes in the wake of similar reviews conducted on social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, as reported by the Interior and Kingdom Relations Ministry. Public broadcaster NOS revealed that the move is part of a broader strategy to ensure children's safety online.

According to Anadolu Agency, outgoing State Secretary Eddie van Marum emphasized concerns over issues like bullying, exposure to shocking images, unwanted contact, and health problems related to excessive screen time. The ministry plans to conduct a Children's Rights Impact Assessment, aimed at evaluating how digital platforms impact children's rights and overall well-being.

Roblox has come under increasing scrutiny on a global scale. In the United States, both authorities and parents have initiated lawsuits against the company, accusing it of failing to adequately protect minors from dangers such as sexual abuse and online extortion. While Roblox has implemented measures like facial age verification and enhanced parental controls, experts argue that these protections are often easily bypassed, as children may use fake ages or other people's facial scans to access restricted features.

A Roblox spokesperson stated that the company strictly enforces rules on user behavior and content. "If we notice these rules being violated, we issue a warning, block an account, or shut it down completely," the company said, adding that users have the capability to report abuse directly on the platform.

Van Marum reiterated the responsibility of social media and online service providers in safeguarding children. "And we must help children and parents use these services responsibly," she added.