Lucknow, Jul 10 The Allahabad High Court on Friday sought responses from the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and other authorities on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on minors' access to online gaming platforms, including Roblox, over concerns relating to children's safety and mental well-being.
A division bench of justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla in Lucknow passed the order while hearing the PIL filed by advocate Rani Singh.
The court also issued notices to Roblox India Services Pvt Ltd, its managing director 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, the Online Gaming Authority of India and its chief executive officer.
According to the petition, Roblox and similar online gaming platforms pose serious risks to minors, including adverse effects on their mental health, behavioural development and cyber safety.
It sought directions to the Union government and other authorities to frame an effective regulatory mechanism restricting or prohibiting minors' access to such platforms.
The PIL also sought the constitution of a high-level expert committee comprising child psychologists, cyber security experts, artificial intelligence (AI) moderation specialists and law enforcement officials to examine the psychological, social and security risks associated with online gaming and recommend appropriate safeguards.
It further sought directions for periodic workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns 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.
