Dubai, UAE - Roblox, a highly popular gaming platform with over 45 million daily active users, has become a hotspot for children and teens to engage in virtual adventures and social interactions. However, Dubai-based cybersecurity experts have raised alarms about significant cyber threats lurking on such platforms, especially for young users.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group of Companies, highlighted that around 90% of children who play games like Roblox have encountered some form of bullying or harassment. The anonymity of online platforms makes it challenging to track harmful behaviors, creating an environment where cyberbullying can thrive undetected.
Irene Corpuz, Founding Partner of Women in Cybersecurity Middle East, stressed the prevalence of phishing scams targeting children on Roblox. These scams often trick kids into revealing personal information or login credentials, posing significant risks to their privacy and security. Additionally, Roblox users face threats from predatory behavior, cyberbullying, and even exposure to explicit content through so-called "Condo Games"—games created by malicious users for inappropriate purposes.
Experts suggest that one of the key strategies to combat these issues is increased parental involvement. Corpuz advises parents to become familiar with Roblox’s parental controls, review chat histories, and discuss online interactions with their children. Enhanced security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and robust content moderation are essential, but experts agree that they are not foolproof.
The appeal of Roblox's in-game currency, Robux, also opens doors to scams. Fraudsters often exploit children’s desire for free Robux or in-game items by creating fake offers, which can lead to the theft of sensitive information or unauthorized charges.
While Roblox has implemented several safety measures, such as AI content filtering and human moderators, the platform still faces challenges in completely eliminating these risks. Parents are encouraged to educate their children on online safety and remain vigilant about their online activities.
As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, striking a balance between enjoyment and safety becomes crucial. Experts recommend ongoing dialogue between parents and children to help navigate the digital world safely.
