Globe to Block Roblox as PH Ban Deadline Extended to April 10

Globe Telecom says it is ready to impose a network-wide blockade of the gaming platform Roblox in the Philippines if the government ban takes effect. The Philippine Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) extended its nationwide ban deadline to April 10, 2026, pushing out the original April 3 ultimatum. CICC cited the need for Roblox executives to travel to Manila for high-level talks. Globe stated it will coordinate with the DICT, the NTC, and the CICC. The telco said it will comply with NTC direction to protect children online and prepare filters targeting Roblox links, APIs, and IP addresses. Globe also indicated it can update its technical barriers as new Roblox-related URLs are discovered. Roblox representatives are scheduled to meet Philippine authorities on April 7–9 to present localized safety measures. However, CICC’s stance is “non-negotiable”: Roblox must set up a physical office in the country and fix systemic safety flaws. CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso cited concerns including alleged failures in Roblox’s KYC process, and alleged abuse of in-game messaging for arms dealing, drug transactions, and child sexual exploitation recruitment. Paraiso said the final decision for Globe and other telcos to activate IP/API filters depends on Roblox demonstrating “verifiable effectiveness” during the April meetings. For traders, this is primarily a Philippines telecom/regulatory development involving Roblox, not a direct crypto market catalyst. The “ban or unblock” timeline, though, can drive short-lived sentiment swings around companies tied to online gaming and platform-risk headlines.