Online gaming app Roblox is once again facing scrutiny, this time in the Philippines.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group has confirmed that it has been told to intensify investigations into online gaming apps, such as Roblox, over concerns related to criminal activities targeting young children.
The PNP plans to work with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) to aid its investigations.
Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who issued the directive, said in a statement: “The PNP is coordinating with other agencies to investigate the extent to which Roblox may be used for possible crimes, including sexual predation, grooming, and exploitation of minors.
“Our mandate of serving and protecting the people now encompasses cyberspace to keep them safe, especially for children.”
Roblox garners over 100 million active users each day, with as many as 40% of those being aged under 13.
Concerns have repeatedly been raised that aspects of the game, such as loot box-style prizes, randomised rewards and an in-game currency, Robux, mirror gambling mechanics.
Last year, the Danish Gaming Authority revealed concerns that Roblox’s in-game currency is being used as deposits and winnings in betting and casino games on third party websites.
A statement from the DGA said: “The computer game Roblox is particularly popular among children and young people under the age of 18. Therefore, Robux betting can be a problem because it also means that many young people under the age of 18 can access gambling via Robux betting.
“On almost all illegal Robux betting websites, the Roblox login can be used for access. This is problematic as the Roblox login is associated with the legal gaming platform and communicates easier access for young people in particular, to participate in gambling.”
The game’s Co-founder and CEO, Dave Baszucki, previously told parents to keep their children off Roblox if they are worried in an interview with the BBC, after claims that some children were being exposed to explicit or harmful content.
Roblox was banned by Turkey in 2024 over similar concerns.