Roblox Escapes Social Media Bill by Convincing Ottawa It Is Technically a Hat Store
Police forces across the country have spent two years warning parents that Roblox is where their children are being groomed, scammed, and introduced to unregulated currency markets denominated in something called Robux. The federal social media bill, unveiled this week, addresses none of this.
Officials explained that Roblox was left out because it is not, strictly speaking, a social media platform. It is a gaming platform. Where children talk to strangers. And buy digital clothing. And attend virtual concerts. But not, the government stressed, a social media platform.
One aide, speaking on background, clarified the distinction. "On social media, you scroll. On Roblox, you walk around as a small rectangular person. Completely different user behaviour. Our hands are tied."
The bill does cover platforms where teenagers post photos of their lunch, which Ottawa has identified as the actual threat to Canadian youth. Parents who raised concerns were directed to a 1-800 number that plays a recording of a Heritage Minister saying the word "consultations" for ninety seconds.
Roblox Corporation declined to comment, citing a scheduled in-game event in which a cartoon avatar of a Crown corporation hands out free fedoras.