The UK government is considering extending a potential social media ban to include restrictions on children interacting with strangers in online games like Fortnite and Roblox, citing concerns over "stranger pairing" and exploitation. Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan highlighted this issue, particularly in gaming contexts, after a visit to Australia. The move comes amid longstanding safety concerns, especially with Roblox, which has faced lawsuits and arrests related to child safety.
A coalition of 19 organisations, including Mozilla and Stop Killing Games, has condemned the UK's recent internet regulations, warning they undermine the open internet. The groups specifically target the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Online Safety Act, citing invasive age verification processes. These measures, they argue, harm all users while failing to effectively protect minors.
