The dark side of online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft has raised serious concerns, especially for adolescent players. Users can create rooms in the virtual universe and misuse them for child abuse and grooming.
A BBC investigation reported instances of explicit content within Roblox, including a naked man wearing a dog collar and avatars engaging in sexual acts. In another case, Minecraft was used as a tool for grooming and abusing two children in the UK.
Turkey had in 2024 banned Roblox over sexual content in its games.
Several terrorist organisations also use video gaming platforms. Terrorists often exploit gamification to recruit and spread extremist propaganda. They also use the chat boxes to engage with each other without raising any suspicion.
Israel’s Ministry of National Security has reported instances of attacks on players identifying as Israeli on Roblox, often by game characters sporting Saudi and Palestinian flags.
So, from terrorists to political activists, online gaming platforms are being used for several purposes and not just for playing.
To add to these, there are several instances of adult content on these platforms. Many people have taken to social media to share their horrific experiences.
“I just joined Roblox and I found a game with a paint splash thumbnail. I just played it cause I was bored, but inside I found many naked,” posted a user.
Others have reported instances of sexual conversations flooding in-game chats, even in games meant for general audiences.
Beyond explicit content, these platforms pose other risks. Unmoderated chat systems expose young players to cyberbullying and grooming, where predators build trust before exploiting children.
It is even harder for women gamers.
