Philippine Officials Call for Stricter Roblox Safeguards, National ID Verification During Rappler AMA

Officials from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the Council for the Welfare of Children detailed how bad actors use Roblox for grooming, cyberbullying, scams and radicalization during Rappler’s Ask Me Anything session on May 6, 2026.

CICC Executive Director Alexander “Aboy” Paraiso and CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales spoke at the event hosted by the news platform. The two executives are pushing for stricter safeguards, stronger age verification systems, faster takedown mechanisms and a formal Philippine presence for Roblox.

Paraiso said the CICC had used the threat of a ban as a last resort to get Roblox to negotiate. CICC’s non-negotiables include establishment of a Philippine office, integration with the national PhilSys ID system for age verification, and a green lane system for faster takedown requests and subpoena compliance.

A Green Lane 24/7 dedicated communications channel has been established with Roblox for immediate takedown of harmful content.

Paraiso noted limitations due to time-zone differences, saying the Roblox-assigned contact person is not available around the clock. He added that a dedicated team available 24/7 is required. CICC investigators were able to register as minors on Roblox and access sexually explicit content and violent shooting games.

Paraiso criticized AI-powered age estimation systems as unreliable. He called for use of PhilSys ID as the single source of truth. Paraiso described how groomers create custom content such as shooting games and terrorist games on platforms like Roblox to attract vulnerable children.

Once identified, groomers move the children from Roblox to less regulated messaging applications for further radicalization. In those messaging apps, children are allegedly given instructions on how to purchase guns and how to make homemade bombs. In-game currencies like Robux can be used for scams, grooming or luring children, Paraiso said.

The PNP produced a report on radicalization or pushing children to commit violence via gaming platforms. Paraiso added that the CICC has been partnering with advocacy groups and private sector organizations to strengthen monitoring, detection and prevention capabilities.

CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales said gaming platforms should be by design safe and treated similarly to physical spaces or toys designed for children.

Tapales said child protection starts at home and parents must become more digitally literate. He stated that parents’ observation is the first line of detection for online harm.

Signs of possible grooming or exploitation include children becoming more secretive, hiding gadgets, withdrawing from family, or experiencing sudden mood swings. Tapales advised parents not to meet a child’s report of something bad with punishment. The CWC hotline is 1383.

The CICC hotline is 1326. There is a 1,325% increase of AI-generated child sexual abuse materials globally, Tapales said. Pending amendments to Republic Act 11930, the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, aim to address AI-generated exploitation and emerging technologies.

CWC’s definition of success over the next six months includes stronger parental involvement, improved reporting behavior among children, and greater willingness from tech companies to cooperate. Paraiso said success is a genuine working partnership between government and gaming platforms, removing the need for banning.

Roblox discussions may become a blueprint for future regulation of platforms used by minors in the Philippines, Paraiso stated.

Rappler reported the full exchange from the May 6, 2026 session.