Roblox Teens Confront Mosque Attacks, Far-Right Extremism: ITV News Report
The investigation by ITV News into the gaming platform Roblox has raised alarming concerns regarding extremist content accessible to young users. Experts, including Jonathan Hall KC, the UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, have urged parents to reconsider allowing their children to use the platform, which is popular among kids as young as seven.
Extremist Content on Roblox
ITV News collaborated with the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) to reveal disturbing examples of extremist behavior on Roblox. The investigation involved posing as both a 13-year-old and an 18-year-old to explore the platform. The findings highlighted significant risks associated with Roblox.
Inappropriate Gaming Options
- Remove Kebab: A game encouraging players to harm Muslims while targeting mosque-goers.
- Deport Invaders: A spray-painting game featuring slogans linked to an American white supremacist group.
Players reportedly discussed ways to bypass Roblox’s moderation, expressing a desire to engage in “passive activism” without detection.
Inappropriate Merchandise
The investigation uncovered costumes relating to far-right ideologies available for purchase, including those linked to the British political party, Britain First, and the fascist fashion brand, Will2Rise. Roblox reportedly takes 70% of all sales made on its platform.
Concerns from Parents and Experts
Statistic data shows that 7 to 14-year-olds in the UK spend an average of two hours daily on Roblox, with the platform boasting over 4.7 million users. While Roblox is rated for children aged 7 and up, the existing parental controls have been criticized for their ineffectiveness against extremist content.
Wendy Via, CEO of GPAHE, stated the parental filters did little to prevent access to inappropriate material, and stressed the importance of monitoring children’s interactions online.
Real-World Implications
Parents have expressed concerns about their children’s potential to be radicalized via the platform. One mother reported that her son was on the verge of radicalization after excessive time spent on Roblox. She highlighted the dangers of children’s interactions with strangers online.
A young individual, referred to as ‘Joe,’ discussed his experience of radicalization at the age of 15 on Roblox. He cautioned that the same risks are likely present for UK users.
Roblox’s Response
In response to these findings, a Roblox spokesperson emphasized their strict policies against extremist content and behavior. They mentioned the use of AI technology and a dedicated team to monitor content and behavior on the platform. The spokesperson admitted that while their system aims to prevent harmful interactions, it is not infallible.
The investigation sheds light on the necessity for greater scrutiny of online platforms like Roblox, ensuring a safer digital environment for young users.
If you have concerns about content seen on Roblox or any other platform, consider reaching out to organizations like the NSPCC for guidance and assistance.
