Online gaming platforms like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox can offer a fun space for kids to connect with their peers and engage in a fun pastime. Unfortunately, these platforms can also be used by adults to communicate with, manipulate, and exploit children. While this was never the intended purpose of these platforms, it has become a troubling byproduct.

Parents across the country have filed lawsuits against Roblox, one of the most popular gaming platforms, alleging that the company has not done enough to keep children safe from sexual exploitation and grooming. Additionally, at least five state attorneys general have filed suits with similar allegations.

Soon, I will be introducing legislation that establishes and strengthens penalties for using the internet to groom or sexually extort a child or to create or traffic artificial sexual depictions of a child. My legislation will also require the court to order restitution for victims of exploitation, which includes counseling and treatment, relocation, lost income, and reasonable costs to remove or suppress online images.

No family should have to worry about their child being exploited online. Please cosponsor this legislation to protect the Commonwealth’s children and hold online predators accountable.