Google, Roblox join forces to educate kids about online safety
What's the story
Google and Roblox have collaborated to develop an innovative game aimed at educating children about online safety. The game, aptly named "Be Internet Awesome World," is designed to help children identify internet scams and promote careful sharing of personal information on the web. This initiative is part of Google's strategy to "reach kids where they're already spending time" and teach them essential internet safety skills.
Gameplay details
Mini-games focusing on various aspects of internet safety
The "Be Internet Awesome World" game is set in the "magical world of the Internauts," featuring a series of mini-games that address different aspects of internet safety. Some games are specifically designed to help children recognize phishing attempts, while others encourage practicing kindness online. The game is now accessible within Roblox, a platform with nearly 80 million daily active users, many of whom are children.
Controversy
Criticism over child safety concerns
Despite its popularity among children, Roblox has faced criticism for allegedly being an unsafe space for younger gamers. The platform was banned in Turkey due to concerns about child exploitation and initially rejected by Sony for PlayStation consoles due to similar issues. The Guardian has reported instances of financial exploitation of children on the platform, leading to accusations against the app's developers of profiting from child labor.
Company stance
Response to child labor exploitation allegations
Roblox retains approximately 30% of all earnings made through the platform, indicating a significant interest in children's creative contributions. In response to allegations of child labor exploitation, studio head Stefano Corazza told Eurogamer that the opportunity for teenagers to earn money on the platform was the "biggest gift" and that these kids "didn't feel like they were exploited."
Safety measures
Roblox CEO addresses child safety concerns with lawmakers
Roblox CEO and co-founder David Baszucki has begun addressing these child safety concerns. Earlier this year, he visited Washington DC to discuss child safety with lawmakers. This move indicates the company's commitment to improving its platform's safety features and protecting its young user base from potential online threats.