PLDT, Smart ready to limit access to Roblox

PLDT Inc. and its unit Smart Communications, Inc. said they are ready to restrict access to Roblox in line with the government’s efforts to reduce online risks to children.

This came after reports that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) had convened over safety concerns of the platform.

“We appreciate the readiness of internet service providers to support government measures that aim to keep children safe online… The NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) continues to work closely with industry partners as we assess appropriate actions, including potential access restrictions, to address emerging risks on digital platforms,” NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca T. Lopez said in a media release on Tuesday.

The government is monitoring Roblox following complaints that its open, user-generated setup has been exploited, exposing children to potential abuse, including violent extremism.

“We recognize that children are among our most important stakeholders, and we fully support efforts to create a safer digital environment for them,” said PLDT Chief Legal Counsel and Head of Regulatory Strategic Affairs Joan de Venecia-Fabul.

Roblox is an online gaming platform that allows users to interact within a virtual universe, engaging with other Roblox players.

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