(Photo courtesy of OS Hontiveros)
Online gaming platform Roblox has expressed willingness to designate a representative in the Philippines who can directly receive subpoenas and other lawful government directives, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Thursday.
The proposal forms part of the strengthened anti-online sexual abuse and exploitation of children measure, now referred to as the SAGIP Bata Act. Hontiveros has also been leading a Senate inquiry into Roblox and other gaming platforms over risks to minors, including grooming and online sexual abuse.
Under the proposed measure, online platforms would be required to maintain a Philippine-based representative authorized to receive subpoenas, takedown and blocking orders, requests for account information and other lawful directives.
Hontiveros said the requirement would help authorities act faster in cases involving possible grooming or online sexual abuse of Filipino children.
She said Roblox representatives told her during a meeting Wednesday that the company was willing to appoint a qualified third party as its local representative.
Roblox also said it already has channels for coordinating with Philippine law enforcement agencies, according to Hontiveros.
The senator said the proposed requirement aims to make cooperation with authorities more consistent across platforms instead of relying on informal or individual arrangements.
The move comes amid continuing scrutiny of online gaming platforms over child safety. Earlier Senate proceedings have examined risks including grooming, online sexual abuse and exploitation, and other digital threats faced by minors.
Hontiveros said responsibility for protecting children online should be shared by parents, users and the platforms where minors interact.
