Dubai Police warn parents against gaming links used by strangers

Dubai Police issued a formal warning to parents on Friday, 14 August, regarding the escalation of cyber risks and contact from strangers through online gaming platforms during the summer break. The Child and Women Protection Department, a division of the General Department of Human Rights, identified specific gaming links that bypass standard entertainment features to facilitate unsolicited communication with external parties. Supervision during summer break The warning was released as part of the "Our Children’s Safety this Summer" campaign. Dubai Police stated that the surge in gaming activity during school holidays has increased the exposure of minors to potential cybercrimes. Officials emphasized that family supervision is the primary defense against these risks, urging parents to stay informed about the specific content their children browse. Authorities advised parents to implement a four-step safety protocol: activate privacy settings and parental controls, audit friend lists on gaming platforms, monitor in-game chat logs, and instruct children to report any uncomfortable messages or links immediately. The department noted that many hazardous links are disguised as legitimate game updates or rewards. Reporting channels for cybercrime Dubai Police confirmed that any suspicious activity or cybercrimes originating from electronic games should be reported immediately through official channels. Parents can use the specialized "e-Crime" platform, the Dubai Police smart…