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KUWAIT CITY – Children in Kuwait are facing significant dangers on the popular gaming platform Roblox, ranging from exposure to predatory strangers to substantial financial exploitation, according to cybersecurity expert Bassam Al-Abdan. His warnings come as Kuwaiti authorities recently temporarily blocked access to the platform due to growing safety and financial concerns.
Speaking on Kuwaiti television this week, Al-Abdan detailed how Roblox’s immersive virtual world, where children can build, create, and purchase digital items, simultaneously creates vulnerabilities. He cited cases of parents unknowingly racking up exorbitant bills. “Some parents reported spending up to KD 1,200 (approximately $3,900 USD) per month as their children are deeply attached to the game,” Al-Abdan revealed.
Kuwait is not alone in its concerns. Similar restrictions on Roblox have been implemented in Qatar, Oman, Turkey, China, the UAE, and Australia, reflecting a global unease about the platform’s safety protocols.
Roblox boasts over 85 million daily users, with approximately 40 percent being under the age of 13.The platform describes itself as ”the ultimate virtual universe,” hosting millions of user-generated games. While Roblox implements safety measures such as restricted messaging for younger accounts and AI-moderated voice chat for teenagers, experts argue thes controls are insufficient and easily circumvented.
A recent investigation by The Guardian in April 2025 underscored this disconnect, stating there’s “a troubling disconnect between [Roblox’s] child-friendly appearance and the reality of what children experience.” The report highlighted instances of children as young as five engaging in conversations with adults and encountering sexually suggestive content,despite the platform’s safeguards.
Al-Abdan shared a especially alarming case he investigated. “A parent contacted me distressed, saying, ‘My bank account keeps getting debited, but I don’t know where the money is going.’ After tracing the transactions, we discovered they were linked to Roblox and other websites,” he explained.
The investigation revealed a complex scam. The parent’s son had been contacted by an individual posing as a child.”These fraudsters utilize programs to alter their voice,making it believable to the child,” Al-abdan said. ”Eventually, the fraudster convinced the boy to send a photo of his father’s bank card, and then began making unauthorized deductions.”
The risks extend far beyond financial loss, Al-Abdan emphasized. “The consequences are severe: psychological and even physical. A child could be influenced to ask for inappropriate things, imitate behaviors that contradict our traditions, or encounter ideas that are harmful and contrary to religious values.That’s the deeper danger.”
Al-Abdan advocates for a collaborative solution involving parents, technology companies, and goverment regulation. He suggested Kuwait could follow the UAE’s example and negotiate with Roblox to implement localized rules, which ultimately led to the lifting of the UAE’s previous ban.
However,he stressed that parental involvement is paramount. “Every child must have their accurate date of birth entered during registration. Roblox offers age-segmented games, and correctly configured accounts are linked to a parent’s email address and cannot be altered without proper identification, such as a passport or ID.”
He further advised parents to diligently safeguard financial data and actively monitor their children’s online activity. Open interaction and education are key to protecting our children in the digital world,
Al-Abdan concluded.
What are your thoughts on online gaming safety? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to World today news for the latest updates on technology, cybersecurity, and global affairs.
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Rome, Italy – In a decisive move, Italy’s Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, has dissolved the entire National Vaccine Commission (Nitag) following public outcry over the appointments of two experts, Pediatrician Eugenio Serravalle and hematologist Paolo Bellavite, who have expressed reservations about mandatory vaccination policies. The decision, made on August 16, 2025, signals a firm stance on the importance of vaccination within the Italian government.
The newly appointed commission, established on August 5th, was intended to provide expert opinions to the Ministry of Health on vaccination matters.However,the inclusion of Serravalle and Bellavite instantly sparked criticism from the scientific community and public health advocates. Concerns centered on their perceived anti-vaccination stances, with accusations of promoting misinformation and undermining public trust in vaccines.
Bellavite, in particular, has maintained that his opposition lies with mandatory vaccination, not vaccination itself. However,this distinction has done little to quell the controversy. A petition calling for their removal garnered notable support, including signatures from nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi.
Did You Know? italy has a long history of mandatory vaccination programs, dating back to the late 19th century, aimed at controlling infectious diseases like smallpox and polio.
Minister Schillaci opted for a comprehensive solution, revoking the appointments of all 25 commission members rather than singling out Serravalle and Bellavite. This decision aligns with his publicly stated commitment to the value of vaccinations and reflects a desire to restore confidence in the commission’s integrity.
the move, however, has not been without political repercussions. Sources indicate that elements within the governing coalition initially favored a more limited response.Prime Minister Giorgia meloni reportedly expressed disapproval of the full revocation, suggesting a disagreement within the government regarding the handling of the situation.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 5, 2025 | New national Vaccine Commission (Nitag) appointed. |
| August 11-16, 2025 | Controversy erupts over the appointment of Serravalle and Bellavite. |
| August 16, 2025 | Minister schillaci revokes the appointments of all commission members. |
Pro Tip: Staying informed about vaccine recommendations and public health guidelines is crucial for protecting yourself and your community. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of public health, preventing millions of illnesses and deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Institution (WHO),vaccines have saved over 150 million lives over the past 50 years [[2]]. The WHO emphasizes that vaccines work by training the body’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful pathogens [[1]].
What role do you think social media plays in shaping public perception of vaccines?
The Italian government’s swift action underscores the ongoing importance of maintaining public trust in vaccination programs and ensuring that expert advisory bodies are composed of individuals who unequivocally support evidence-based public health practices.
The controversy surrounding the Italian vaccine commission highlights a broader global challenge: maintaining public confidence in vaccines. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to pose significant threats to public health, necessitating proactive strategies to address these issues.these strategies include obvious communication, community engagement, and collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.
We encourage you to share this article with your network and join the conversation about the importance of vaccination. Your voice matters!
