Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has sought response from the Centre, the state govt and other authorities on a PIL petition seeking restrictions on the access of online gaming platforms, including Roblox, to minors citing concerns over children’s safety and mental well-being.A division bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla passed the order while hearing a petition filed by advocate Rani Singh.The court also issued notices to Roblox India Services Pvt Ltd and other parties concerned, directing them to file their replies at the earliest.The respondents include the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Online Gaming Authority of India and its chief executive officer, besides Roblox India Services Pvt Ltd and its managing director.The petitioner said that Roblox and similar online gaming platforms pose serious risks to minors and have adverse effects on their mental health, behavioural development and cyber safety.The petitioner sought directions for the Union govt and other authorities to frame an effective regulatory mechanism restricting or prohibiting access of minors to such platforms.The petition also sought the constitution of a high-level expert committee comprising child psychologists, cyber security experts, AI moderation specialists and law enforcement officials to examine the psychological, social and security risks associated with online gaming and recommend appropriate safeguards.The petitioner suggested that periodic workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns be held in schools and other educational institutions to educate children, parents and teachers about the potential risks of online gaming platforms and promote safe digital practices.
