When Gaming Turns Dangerous: Electronic Blackmail Threatens Children in Digital World

Electronic games have become interactive platforms that allow players to communicate directly by voice and image, posing a new challenge amid technological advancement and cybersecurity concerns. With the spread of multiplayer games and integrated chat services, improper behaviours and associated risks are on the rise, necessitating societal awareness and proper handling when they occur.

Brigadier Jamal bin Habib Al Quraishi, Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation at the Royal Oman Police, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that electronic games have evolved into digital communities that encourage communication with unknown individuals, thereby providing an environment exploited by those with criminal intentions to lure children. This begins with building a relationship of trust and then moves to inappropriate conversations or requests.

He explained that some cases ended with the child being persuaded to photograph family members, and then sending these images or clips to the blackmailers, who later use them for threats and extortion. The danger may go beyond bullying, threats, abuse and exposure to inappropriate content to include influencing children to exploit them in behaviour contrary to values or recruiting them to carry out violent or illegal acts.

He added that a child or adolescent may not directly inform their family that they have been blackmailed, and therefore it is important for the family to pay attention to any sudden changes in behaviour and psychological state, such as sadness, tension, fear of losing the phone, refusing to let family members browse it, and engaging in actions or behaviours unusual for the child, such as repeated lying, taking money from home, stealing, or behaving contrary to what they are accustomed to.

The ROP Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, warned of the necessity for families to avoid reactions based on reprimand and threats, because the child may fear telling their parents and continue responding to the blackmailer. Anger should not be shown nor blame directed, because the primary goal is to protect and embrace the child and encourage them to fully disclose what happened.

He directed that conversations, images, video clips or accounts related to the incident be preserved and not deleted, and that the competent authorities be notified promptly. Families should not attempt to handle the matter themselves or search for the blackmailer and confront him, leaving the task of dealing with the incident and tracking the blackmailer to the competent authorities.

He affirmed that the Royal Oman Police deals with electronic blackmail reports with seriousness and complete confidentiality, especially when the victim is a child or minor. The primary goal is to protect the victim, preserve digital evidence, stop the blackmail operation and identify the blackmailer, even if he uses a fake account or false data, and take legal action against him.

He also emphasised the importance of the family being close to their children, fully aware of the games and platforms they use and the people they communicate with, activating appropriate privacy settings and parental controls, and most importantly, teaching their children that blackmail is not their fault and that if they are subjected to any threat or unusual request, they should not be afraid or hide the matter but must inform their parents immediately.

He added that the Royal Oman Police has called on electronic game enthusiasts of various age groups to use the communication and contact features of these games consciously and responsibly, and not to send images or information that could be used as a means to carry out the demands of blackmailers.

In this context, Mohammed bin Said Al Ruba’iee, a cybersecurity specialist, told ONA that cybersecurity risks associated with multiplayer gaming environments and chat applications such as Discord, Steam and Roblox vary as a result of the overlap between technical aspects and social engineering methods. He pointed to a number of the most prominent threats that may face children, adolescents and players in general.

He explained that among the most prominent of these risks are social engineering and phishing, as malicious links may be posted through text chat rooms convincing the player that they will receive free virtual currencies such as V-Bucks or Robux, or rare in-game items such as skins and virtual characters, before leading them to fake login pages aimed at stealing login credentials and session tokens for accounts.

He added that malware and Trojans represent another danger, as users may be tempted to download cheating or hacking programmes, game modifications, or untrusted files and attachments, while these files may contain information-stealing software that can target browsers, game accounts, chat platforms and cryptocurrencies.

He pointed out that identity exposure and personal data leakage, known as doxxing, occurs through collecting scattered information about the player through voice chats or usernames, which may allow access to their real name, home address, school or social media accounts, and exploiting that information for defamation or threats.

He explained that distributed denial-of-service attacks may pose a danger to players in some environments that rely on direct peer-to-peer connections, as in some cases the player’s real IP address can be obtained and their home network targeted by flooding it with large amounts of data, leading to disruption of connectivity, especially during competitions.

He also warned of online grooming and psychological exploitation, which may target minors through voice and video chats, where the perpetrator seeks to build a false relationship and trust with the child or adolescent before attempting to push them to share private images or sensitive family information or move to other communication platforms.

He pointed to direct financial fraud in in-game trading operations, as fraudsters may exploit digital item trading mechanisms to steal accounts or items of monetary value through fake intermediaries or unreal deals.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening the protection of accounts and personal data, explaining that among the most prominent measures is activating two-factor authentication, preferably using dedicated authentication applications rather than relying on SMS text messages whenever possible, to reduce the risks of account takeover associated with SIM swapping.

He also recommended separating the digital identity dedicated to gaming from personal identity, by using email addresses dedicated to gaming that are not linked to the real name, school, bank accounts or personal accounts, and choosing usernames that do not reveal age, year of birth or geographic region.

He stressed the necessity of adjusting privacy settings in gaming and chat platforms by making accounts private, restricting friend requests, direct messages and calls to known individuals, and disabling the ability for unknown persons to join public voice rooms.

Regarding connections, he pointed to the importance of protecting the IP address when using games that rely on direct peer-to-peer connections, and trusted virtual private networks can be used in cases that require it to reduce the possibility of exposing the actual connection address and exposure to denial-of-service attacks.

He called for not saving bank card data within gaming platforms as much as possible, and relying on gift cards or prepaid cards with limited balances, which reduces the risks of unauthorised purchases in the event of account compromise.

He also stressed the necessity of being cautious of external files and links, not clicking on links sent through chat rooms or running helper tools and programmes not approved by official game developers.

Regarding the procedures that should be followed when exposed to blackmail, bullying or fraud, he explained the importance of immediate digital documentation by taking clear screenshots and saving texts and conversations that include the offending account name, digital identifier or profile link, and the timing of messages, along with retaining the full context of the conversation before deleting or modifying content.

He emphasised the necessity of cutting off communication and avoiding responding to the blackmailer, not paying any sums of money or continuing to engage with him, because responding to demands may lead to continued pressure and the emergence of further demands.

He also recommended using official blocking and reporting tools available within the game or chat platform while attaching evidence and relevant data, then blocking the offending account to prevent continued communication. In the event of suspicion that a password has been leaked or loss of control over the account, he stressed the importance of securing linked accounts immediately by logging out of all devices and sessions, changing passwords for related accounts, resetting access keys and recovery codes where they exist, and unlinking accounts from unnecessary external services.

He emphasised the importance of informing a guardian immediately for children and adolescents, and not hesitating to seek help for fear of punishment, which allows the incident to be handled more safely.

He pointed to the possibility of turning to the competent authorities in the Sultanate of Oman when electronic crimes, blackmail or fraud occur, and submitting a report to the competent security authorities in the Royal Oman Police or the Public Prosecution, providing them with documented digital evidence and data that has been retained.

Moosa bin Sulaiman Al Nabhani, a computer programmer at the Ministry of Information, told ONA that children and youth are among the most frequent users of digital platforms and modern content, and they are also among the most targeted groups by platforms that provide this type of content worldwide. He explained that the impact of these platforms is not limited to the entertainment aspect but extends to the ideas, values and content they present, some of which may not align with the values and culture of society and can influence the thinking and upbringing of young people.

He added that the children’s interface on the “Ayn” platform was introduced to keep pace with this development in the use of digital platforms and to benefit from modern technologies that facilitate access to content and make the user experience easier, more enjoyable and more attractive for children.

He explained that the platform is keen to ensure that the content provided is compatible with the values, culture and national aspirations of society, noting that all materials published through the platform are subject to review before publication, ensuring their suitability for the target audience and their freedom from inappropriate content.

He pointed out that the platform is also keen to produce original and exclusive content directed at children and youth through characters and topics that carry national identity and reflect the values and culture of society. He explained that the goal is not limited to providing safe and attractive content but extends to supporting the production of content specifically for this group and enhancing the presence of content that addresses children and youth in a style close to them, combining identity, positive content and entertainment.

He explained that the children’s interface on the platform thus provides a digital space that keeps pace with the development in the use of these platforms and offers safe and appropriate content, along with supporting the production of content dedicated to children and youth that carries our identity and values within an attractive digital experience for this group.

Regarding the standards adopted by the ministry to ensure the safety of digital content and interactive games provided to children, he explained that all content published on the children’s interface, and on the “Ayn” platform in general, is subject to review and oversight before publication to ensure its safety and suitability for the target audience and its freedom from inappropriate ideas and content.

He added that the matter is not limited to excluding inappropriate content, but “Ayn” is also keen when selecting or producing content to ensure that it includes positive values and content that align with national and social directions and contributes to instilling values and developing knowledge and skills among children and youth.

He pointed out that the quality and attractiveness of content are of great importance, because content directed at children is not enough to be safe and purposeful only; it is also important to be able to attract the child and provide an enjoyable experience. Therefore, the “Ayn” platform is keen on a good level of artistic and technical production, providing an interactive and entertaining experience that suits the nature and interests of this group.

He emphasised that the goal is to provide content that combines safety, positive content and attractiveness, and balances benefit and entertainment, so that the platform does not merely protect the child from inappropriate content but offers positive and enjoyable content that suits their needs.

Regarding parents’ benefit from the children’s interface on the “Ayn” platform as a safe and appropriate alternative to some open gaming platforms, he explained that the children’s interface on the “Ayn” platform provides a digital space dedicated to the child, through which a guardian can create a special account, so that when the child enters it, they find content entirely dedicated to this group, allowing them to navigate freely and easily between different types of content, while the guardian is reassured that everything available within this space is suitable for the child.

He added that the “Ayn” platform is available across various devices, whether smartphones, tablets or smart TV screens, giving families flexibility in making the children’s interface available through the device that suits them, at different times and places.

He pointed out that the children’s interface on the platform was designed to be suitable and attractive for this group, not only in terms of content but also in terms of design, icons, method of use and navigation, so that the child can explore and access content easily.

He explained that the interface provides great diversity in content, between programmes, cartoon works, songs and content that encourages talents and develops skills, and diversity between visual and audio content, which gives the child multiple options and makes their experience within the platform more diverse and enjoyable.

He explained that audio content constitutes an important aspect of this experience through stories presented in an engaging narrative style and audiobooks dedicated to children that aim to enhance the child’s connection to books and reading through a listening experience that suits their use of digital content.

He added that this content can also be used at times when screen viewing is not appropriate, such as while travelling by car or on long trips, where the child can listen to stories and audiobooks available through the platform.

He emphasised that the children’s interface, with these advantages, provides the guardian with a space they can confidently make available to their child across various devices, and gives the child freedom to navigate between diverse and attractive content, all dedicated to them, combining safety, entertainment, benefit and ease of use.

Amid the expanding presence of children in the digital world, the need to enhance their awareness of the risks associated with interacting with others through electronic platforms emerges. In this regard, Ghunaima Sulaiman Al Shukaili, a social guidance supervisor, told ONA that the need for acceptance and belonging may push the child to search for friends or a digital community, which may lead to accepting requests from untrusted individuals and excessive trust in others in the digital world, as some children may not realise that the person behind the account may not be as they present themselves.

She explained that among the factors are also weak awareness of digital privacy, sharing images or personal information or family data without appreciating the consequences, the desire to experiment and explore, especially in games and platforms that allow communication with unknown individuals, and weak family dialogue; when a child feels that talking about a mistake will lead to punishment or blame, they may hide the problem instead of seeking help.

She added that peer pressure and the desire to prove oneself or keep up with others, and social isolation or a feeling of lack of appreciation, may make alternative digital relationships more influential on the child. She pointed to the importance of balanced digital monitoring; what is required is not spying but building awareness, skills and continuous dialogue.

Regarding the signs that may appear on a child when exposed to electronic blackmail, she said that this may lead to changes in behaviour, relationships, social participation and academic performance. She noted that the response varies from one child to another, so no single sign should be considered conclusive evidence.

She explained that among the behavioural signs that deserve attention are a sudden change in phone use or unusually hiding the screen, anxiety or tension when a message or notification arrives, withdrawal from activities the child used to enjoy, sudden changes in sleep, concentration or academic performance, in addition to nervousness, excessive sensitivity or unusual silence.

She added that among the family signs are the child distancing from parents or avoiding talking with them, exaggerated fear of punishment or discovery of what is happening, refusing to let family members participate in usual activities, and the emergence of a clear feeling of guilt or shame.

She explained that among the signs affecting the child socially are distancing from friends, losing interest in social communication, disturbed relationships with colleagues or siblings, and increased reliance on the digital world with clear tension.

She emphasised that there is a very important point: the family should not begin with blame or harsh interrogation, because fear of the family’s reaction may be one of the reasons preventing the child from disclosing.

Regarding the role of the family and society, she pointed to the importance of providing a safe environment that encourages the child to disclose, not blaming or threatening when a problem occurs, and teaching the child that seeking help is not wrong, along with enhancing awareness in school and society. She emphasised that when exposed to blackmail, one should not respond to the blackmailer, should preserve evidence, and should seek help from the competent authorities.

Mariam Khalfan Al Maamari, a parent, reviewed her experience in organising her children’s use of electronic games, emphasising that her reference in parenting stems from the most upright source in life, the Holy Quran, and the principles of balance, responsibility and self-monitoring it carries.

She explained that organising game time begins with setting clear and fixed controls based on balance between entertainment and duties. She pointed out that she allocates only two hours at the end of the school week after completing homework and memorising their Quran assignments, while completely preventing electronic games on school days and before sleep.

She added that playing is linked to completing daily responsibilities, with keenness to provide physical and creative alternatives such as sports and drawing, along with the father or mother participating with their children in these activities, which contributes to creating a pleasant and motivating family atmosphere and makes entertainment part of family life rather than an isolated activity.

Regarding monitoring children’s interaction during play, she emphasised that monitoring begins with providing a safe environment. The family is keen for play to take place in a shared place inside the home, such as the living room, avoiding isolation, completely separating the home internet network from bedrooms and the upper floor of the house. Voice and video chat features with strangers are disabled through parental protection settings, and communication is limited to known friends.

She emphasised that her sometimes playing with her children is not aimed at monitoring only but at understanding the digital environment in which they live and identifying the nature of the games and interactions they are exposed to, which enhances dialogue and trust between the two parties and makes monitoring based on awareness and companionship, not prohibition alone.

Regarding awareness of electronic risks, she pointed to the importance of instilling awareness in children from a young age, teaching them to preserve their privacy, not sharing images, names, locations and personal information with others, strengthening self-confidence and the dignity of a Muslim, and rejecting any behaviour based on bullying, deception or fraud.

She explained that dealing with any concerning behaviour begins with containment and calm away from shouting or intimidation, so that the child feels safe and continues to turn to their parents when facing any unfamiliar or dangerous situation. When a problem occurs, the offending person is blocked, the incident is documented, and it is dealt with as necessary, while providing psychological support to the child and affirming that seeking help from parents is the right action.

She believes that protecting children in the digital world is not achieved by prohibition alone but by building inner awareness that makes the child capable of discernment and making sound decisions, along with the presence of an attentive family that listens, embraces and guides, achieving balance between benefiting from technology and preserving children’s safety, studies and daily lives.

The protection of children and youth in the digital world remains a shared responsibility, beginning with awareness, family dialogue and balanced monitoring, and extending to protecting privacy and responsible use of platforms, with the necessity of prompt reporting and preserving evidence when exposed to blackmail, thereby enhancing children’s safety and reducing digital risks.