Gaming platforms are being used to promote "extremist ideologies" to kids and teens through violent games and propaganda. Australian Federal Police (AFP) said games set in Nazi concentration camps, Chinese communist re-education camps for Muslims as well as Islamic State-style conflict zones were "seen on the gaming platform Roblox". Roblox is a popular site that hosts games created by users. It's alleged the games made on Roblox and other platforms were used to disseminate propaganda as well as generate funds. Police said these platforms expose young gamers to "violent ideologies, normalise violence and blur the reality of users, allowing them to undertake criminal acts within the game". This comes as the Victorian town of Ballarat witnessed an unplanned demonstration through its streets on December 3. People dressed in head-to-toe black, with their faces covered, marched under a banner reading "Australia for the white man, National Socialist Network". Victoria Police said no violent incidents occurred during the march but understands "anti-Semitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable". Meanwhile, AFP investigators said they had noticed an increase in young people "adopting violent extremist ideologies" across several states and territories over the past two years. AFP assistant commissioner Krissy Barrett said police had seen kids "as young as 12 years of age" expressing extremism as a result of online conversations. "With more than 3.22 billion active gamers online around the world, these extremists are attempting to target a significant part of the global population to spread their views and propaganda with the aim of recruiting young people across popular platforms and games with the aim of encouraging them to adopt an extremist or radicalised view." "We know that gaming and online chat and other platforms are being infiltrated by extremists so we are urging parents and guardians to keep a close watch on who your children may be engaging with online." Roblox is an online gaming platform that allows users to create their own games as well as play those made by other users. More than 65 million users log in to Roblox daily and around 45 per cent of those users are 12-years-old or younger, AFP said. The site has hosted pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel rallies and AFP has witnessed some players using violent means to attack users with opposing views through the gaming platform. Roblox, owned by Roblox Corporation, was founded in 2004 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel and hosts a range of other games not based on violent historic events. Police recommend concerned parents watch for sign of extremism including children distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members, using hateful or emotionally-charged language or a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues. An increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda may also be a cause for concern as well as overreactions to certain news or politics and spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet. AFP recommends speaking to children regularly and helping them steer toward mainstream sources of factual information, rather than forums and chat groups on the fringe of the Internet. Parents are encouraged to be approachable. "Coming forward isn't always easy and your child may feel reluctant to tell you about online issues if they believe they will be punished or have their devices taken away," AFP said. Activity on Roblox is trackable through chat and purchase history accessible through player portals. Anyone who has information or concerns about extremists engaging with their children online are urged to take action and report. If you think a child is in immediate danger call Triple Zero (000) or your local police (131 444). If you prefer to report anonymously, you can visit Crime Stoppers or call their toll-free number 1800 333 000. Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400. Roblox Corporation was contacted for comment but has not responded by presstime.
