Online Safety
Ongoing coverage on Online Safety.
Latest coverage
Surprise, surprise, Minecraft players are already using mods to bypass Xbox's new age restrictions
Minecraft players on PC are using mods to bypass Xbox's new age verification restrictions in the UK, which were implemented due to the Online Safety Act. These restrictions prevent players from chatting if they haven't verified they are over 18. Players are reportedly finding ways to circumvent these measures, though it is suggested these bypasses may be short-lived.
Rockstar's legal setback, Final Fantasy tax incentives, and PlayStation swaps 'PC' for 'AI' - Patch Notes #57
This week's gaming news includes Rockstar Games facing a trial date for union busting allegations, Sony Interactive Entertainment shifting its business strategy focus from 'PC' to 'AI' in SEC filings, and Microsoft's Xbox division reportedly preparing for studio closures. Additionally, Don't Nod is seeking new financing after Tencent withdrew short-term investment, Shibuya ward is offering Final Fantasy 14 in-game items for tax donations, and Epic Games is merging Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN into a unified Unreal Engine 6. The UK government is also set to implement a ban on social media for under 16s, impacting high-risk features in games.
'Many people want to use VPNs for privacy—that is important—but we know that some children use them to get around restrictions': UK government considering VPN ban
The UK government is considering new restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially banning their use for individuals under 16 to prevent them from bypassing age verification checks on social media. While acknowledging the privacy benefits of VPNs for adults, the government is researching their use by children to circumvent online restrictions. Further statements on potential VPN regulations are expected in July.
UK social media crackdown presents a "threat" to gaming comms innovation, expert warns
A UK government plan to enhance online child safety, including a social media ban for under-16s and restrictions on features like livestreaming and chatting to strangers, poses a significant threat to innovation in the gaming industry. Experts warn that developers, especially smaller studios, may face costly implementation of age verification and communication controls, potentially limiting new game development and features. Concerns also exist that broader restrictions on 'addictive features' or simply time spent in-game could inappropriately impact game design elements and discourage engagement with complex or creative titles.
Roblox Select Releases Globally: All Safety Details
Roblox Select has launched globally, introducing age-appropriate access to games and features alongside Roblox Kids. The platform now uses age-check systems to place users into applicable experiences and has implemented new chat safety features. Users must complete age verification to chat, with different account types (Roblox Kids, Roblox Select, Roblox) assigned based on age and verification status, all supported by enhanced parental controls.
Roblox rolls out its new age-gated account tiers globally
Roblox is globally rolling out new age-gated account tiers as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance online safety for younger users on its platform. This feature aims to provide a more secure environment tailored to different age groups.
Roblox introduces age-based kids accounts in response to UK social media ban
Roblox is launching age-based account types, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, to enhance online safety for younger users. These accounts introduce stricter restrictions on features like in-game chat and content sharing, aligning access with age. The move follows the UK government's announcement of legislation to ban under-16s from social media and implement new online gaming rules.
UK Gamers Question Hobby's Future as Government Bans Kids from Social Media
The UK government is planning to ban social media access for individuals aged 16 and under, sparking discussions about potential future regulations on online gaming. While the proposed ban explicitly excludes multiplayer gaming, concerns remain that it could lead to similar restrictions on online game participation. This initiative follows the UK's existing age verification processes for online content, including communication features on consoles like the PlayStation 5.
UK social media ban will restrict 'high-risk' features on game platforms
The UK government will ban social media for individuals under 16 and restrict 'high-risk' features like livestreaming and communication with strangers on video game platforms. This decision follows a public consultation showing strong parental support for stricter online safety measures. The UK video game industry trade body Ukie has welcomed the distinction between social media and gaming platforms and offered to collaborate on the new regulations, which are expected to come into effect in Spring 2027.
Social media is awful but the UK under-16 ban won't solve anything: 'Instead of punishing children, the…
The UK government's proposed ban on social media access for under-16s is criticized by multiple writers as an ineffective and misguided policy. They argue that such bans are easily circumvented, push children to less safe platforms, and fail to address the root causes of social media's negative impacts. Instead, the focus should be on holding tech companies accountable and improving platform regulation and parental guidance.
UK to ban social media and streaming platforms for under 16-year-olds, but the full impact on games and the gaming industry remains unclear
The UK government plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, with legislation intended for spring 2027. Similar restrictions are being considered for undisclosed streaming platforms, potentially impacting gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube. The ban aims to protect children online, though its full implications for the gaming industry and advertising remain unclear.
The UK's dramatic under-16 social media ban will also apply to "gaming services", but at least they're not coming for multiplayer
The UK government has announced a ban on social media platforms for individuals under 16, which will also extend to certain gaming services, set to take effect in spring 2027. While multiplayer gaming will not be affected, the government is considering age-gating access to gaming sites. The ban aims to protect children from harmful online content and manipulative algorithms, drawing parallels to similar regulations in Australia.
Ukie hails video games being classed separately from social media as UK government announces ban
The UK government has announced plans to ban social media for under-16s and implement wider online protections, classifying video games separately from social media. Ukie, the UK video games trade body, welcomed this distinction, emphasizing the industry's existing measures like the PEGI age rating system for ensuring child safety online. These new regulations, set to take effect by spring 2027, will include default blocks on communication features for users under 17 on various online services, including 'gaming sites'.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
UK looks to ban children from using voice chat in games like Roblox and Fortnite
The UK government is considering a ban on children using voice chat with strangers in games like Fortnite and Roblox as part of new Online Safety Act proposals. Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan stated the government is exploring restrictions to reduce contact between minors and unknown adults online, with Children's Commissioner Rachel de Souza highlighting the significant amount of time children spend gaming and using voice features.
The UK government is considering banning children from speaking to strangers in games like Fortnite and Roblox
The UK government is considering expanding a potential social media ban for children to include online video game platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. The concern, raised by online safety minister Kanishka Narayan and echoed by Children's Commissioner for England Rachel De Souza, is the risk of 'stranger pairing' between children and adults. Roblox, in particular, has faced scrutiny over child safety issues.
Kids might not be able to talk on Fortnite or Roblox anymore, as UK government moves to stop chatting in games
The UK government is considering banning children from using voice chat in online games like Fortnite and Roblox to prevent them from talking to strangers. This potential measure is part of the broader Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting young people online. Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan and Children's Commissioner Rachel de Souza have expressed support for such restrictions, citing concerns about children's safety on gaming platforms.
"The problem with online toxicity, that's something that we can solve today" – The AI system that promises to detect signs of grooming
Norwegian company Aiba has developed an AI system named Amanda, integrated into the 4Players Odin voice chat platform, designed to detect grooming, bullying, and radicalization in real-time. CEO Hege Tokerud stated the system, inspired by the tragic story of Amanda Todd, analyzes voice chat context and language to identify harmful patterns, routing suspicious cases to human moderators. The technology aims to combat online toxicity and enhance child safety amidst increasing regulatory pressure from regions like the EU and UK.
UK May Place Heavy Social Restrictions On Games Targeted Towards Kids
The United Kingdom is considering significant social restrictions on games popular with children, such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, as part of a potential online safety bill. Online safety minister Kanishka Narayan suggested a ban on children interacting with strangers in online games could be implemented. The government is reportedly examining Australia's child social media ban as a model, though no formal decision has been made.
UK social media ban could impact video game platforms
UK online safety minister Kanishka Narayan is considering extending a potential social media ban for children to video game platforms, citing concerns about online interactions between minors and adults. This discussion comes as the UK government explores policies to protect young people online, with specific worries raised about features in games like Roblox and Fortnite that allow user-to-user communication. Officials are weighing the effectiveness and potential harms of such restrictions, drawing parallels to Australia's social media ban.
