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Roblox's 'Sensitive Issues' Label Sparks Controversy Over Equality and Human Rights

Roblox's new content filter has sparked outrage. Critics say it treats equality and human rights as controversial opinions, not universal values.

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Roblox's 'Sensitive Issues' Label Sparks Controversy Over Equality and Human Rights

Roblox, the renowned online gaming platform, has sparked debate with its recent 'sensitive issues' label for user-generated content. Three advocacy groups have jointly criticized the move, arguing it risks portraying equality and human rights as debatable topics rather than fundamental rights.

In August, Roblox announced it would block access to certain content for users under 13 without parental permission, labeling these topics as 'sensitive issues'. Examples include immigration, capital punishment, gun control, marriage equality, and reproductive rights. The company also plans to implement ESRB ratings for experiences on its platform.

The advocacy groups, Women in Games, Out Making Games, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Talent (BAME) in Games, released a joint letter opposing this policy. They argue that Roblox's content filtering system treats equality and human rights as controversial opinions, rather than universal rights. The groups support keeping children safe online but believe Roblox's approach is flawed. They suggest using established age rating systems like PEGI or ESRB, which are transparent and widely accepted, instead of Roblox's subjective 'sensitive issues' label.

Roblox's new 'sensitive issues' label has drawn criticism from advocacy groups who argue it risks mischaracterizing equality and human rights. The groups urge Roblox to adopt established age rating systems to ensure content is appropriately classified and protected for younger users.

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