April 22, 2026 | 12:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Australia's online safety regulator on Wednesday ordered major online gaming platforms, including Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite and Steam, to explain how they are protecting children from sexual predators and radicalization online.
The eSafety Commission said it had issued legally enforceable transparency notices seeking details on safety systems, staffing and moderation practices. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties and civil action.
Most Australian youngsters play online games
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, said online games had become social hubs for young people, with nine in 10 Australians aged eight to 17 playing online games.
She warned that predators use gaming platforms to "make contact with children in online game environments, they then move children to private messaging services."
Grant said that "predatory adults" target children through "grooming or embedding terrorist and violent extremist narratives in gameplay, increasing the risks of contact offending, radicalization and other off-platform harms."
The move comes as Australia steps up efforts to curb online harms to minors after banning under-16s from major social media platforms last year.
However, the online safety watchdog found a "substantial proportion of Australian children" were still scrolling banned platforms three months after the ban.
Roblox accused of failing to protect children
Roblox is facing more than 140 US lawsuits alleging it failed to stop the sexual exploitation of children.
On Tuesday, Roblox agreed to settlements with the US states of Alabama and West Virginia for more than $23 million. A week ago, the company announced tailored accounts for young users.
Read: Social Media Age Limits: Well Intentioned But Ineffective?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo, Australian PM Discuss Commodity and Energy Supply
1 jam lalu
Australia and Indonesia work together to ensure the sustainability of essential commodity supply for both countries.
Prabowo, Australian PM Hold Phone Talks on Urea Fertilizer
16 jam lalu
The Indonesian government has announced its readiness to export fertilizer, taking advantage of opportunities in the global market.
Australia on Alert as Super El Nino Threat Looms in 2026
19 jam lalu
Said to be strongest in 140 years, a "super" El Nino threat looms over the Pacific, especially in nearby countries like Australia.
Firefighters Battle Huge Blaze at Australian Oil Refinery
6 hari lalu
Firefighters are battling a major fire at one of Australia's two operating oil refineries.
Lyrid Meteor Shower Coming to Australia Next Week: When and How to See It
6 hari lalu
Set your sights on the sky for a dazzling display as the Lyrid meteor shower illuminates Australian skies on the night of April 22-23.
Social Media Age Limits: Well Intentioned But Ineffective?
8 hari lalu
Several countries want age restrictions to keep minors off platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But can bans really keep children safe online?
Australia Appoints First Female Army Chief
8 hari lalu
Susan Coyle is set to take over as Australia's army chief in July, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the country's history.
Indonesia Eyes Export of 1.5mn Tons Fertilizer as Iran War Disrupts Global Supply
10 hari lalu
Indonesia says it is ready to export fertilizer, leveraging the disrupted global distribution following the war in the Middle East.
Blocked by Its Own Regulations
10 hari lalu
Neighboring countries rolled out policies to cope with mounting energy crisis pressures, from cutting fuel taxes to releasing fuel reserves.
When Is Australia's Mother's Day in 2026? Date & Celebration Guide
11 hari lalu
Mother's Day is fast approaching in Australia, arriving on Sunday, May 10. Here's everything you need to know about this special celebration.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4770150/original/051663000_1710247846-20240312-Berbuka_Puasa_di_Istiqlal-HER_2.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5417338/original/087225200_1763529762-Buka_Puasa.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/2898274/original/080785500_1567273060-Pawai-Obor4.jpg)
