The UK government is considering a ban on children talking to strangers on gaming platforms. The proposal targets popular services like Roblox, Fortnite, Discord, and Minecraft. It aims to protect children from online harm.
Proposal targets Roblox, Fortnite, Discord, and Minecraft
The affected platforms are among the most popular among young gamers. Roblox and Fortnite each have hundreds of millions of users, many of whom are under 18. Discord and Minecraft also host large communities where strangers can interact with children.
Under the proposed rules, platforms would need to restrict direct communication between minors and unknown adults. The government has not yet released a detailed timeline or enforcement mechanism. The ban is still under consideration and may change before becoming law.
Ban would require age verification and communication controls
The proposal follows growing concern over online child safety in the UK. Earlier this year, the government introduced the Online Safety Act, which imposes duties on platforms to protect children. This new measure would go further by specifically targeting stranger contact in gaming environments.
According to the Politics UK Twitter account, the government is considering a ban on children having conversations with strangers on these platforms. The account cited an unnamed government source. The information is not yet officially confirmed by a government department.
If enacted, the ban would require gaming companies to implement age verification and communication controls. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite already offer parental controls, but the new rules would mandate stricter defaults. The proposal highlights the ongoing debate between child safety and online privacy.
Source: DEXERTO