The federal government is considering adding gaming platforms to its digital safety bill to stop predators from using those platforms to target kids.
There are a number of gaming platforms that allow adults to communicate with children, which has sparked concerns over predatory behaviours like grooming.
Roblox has become one of the chief platforms of concern, with about 40 per cent of the game’s over 85 million players being under the age of 13. A Canadian documentary from last year exposed the darker underside of Roblox, where bad actors targeted children with hateful content, and predators used the game to groom children.
Moreover, this isn’t the first time the government has expressed concerns about child safety in games. Earlier this year, the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence presented the feds with a report on how bad actors use Roblox to target kids.
Currently, the digital safety bill (known as Bill C-34) would require social media companies to block users under the age of 16, but companies could also seek exemptions from the age ban if they can prove their platforms have adequate child protections. But while the bill doesn’t currently include gaming, that could change.
Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller told the Globe and Mail that he would “absolutely consider” changing the bill to regulate gaming platforms. However, Miller also said the under-16 ban wouldn’t cover gaming platforms, acknowledging that gaming is a popular pastime with kids.
Miller also said he’s met with several gaming companies and told them to add safety features or risk regulation. However, he acknowledged that some gaming platforms already have safety features, such as limiting messages and other communications with people below a certain age.
