4:07 pm today

Roblox hunting ground for sexual predators

From Checkpoint, 4:07 pm today

The popular virtual game, Roblox, is a hunting ground for sex offenders looking to exploit young New Zealand based victims, according to an online safety group. Roblox users can create an avatar or online character and choose their hair, clothes and accessories and once they're done they can join in a number of games or experiences. It also has a social media element to it where people can message, accept friend requests, or go into a chat room. Police won't name specific gaming sites. But Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards from their Online Child Exploitation unit says there's been cases of sex offenders contact young New Zealand and gamers online encouraging x rated coversations and sharing of inappropriate images. Meanwhile the co-founder of our Kids Online Rob Cope said the site is one of the biggest sexual predator grooming grounds in the world, he spoke to Lisa Owen.