Manila's sudden ban on a popular shooter video game, linked to a recent mass shooting, underscores a glaring void in British digital regulation. Sources confirm the Philippines' action came after authorities traced the weapon used in the attack to the game's virtual arsenal. But while Manila rushes to block the title, London dithers.
Uncovered documents from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport reveal internal warnings about the game's violent impact were ignored for months. The Online Safety Bill, stalled in Parliament, would give regulators power to force platforms to remove harmful content. Without it, we are relying on ad hoc bans overseas while our own children play the same games.
The Filipino ban is a warning shot: we need a framework that protects, not just talks. The money behind the gaming industry is lobbying hard against any curbs. And they have friends in high places.
But the bodies are mounting. How many more before we act?
