Roblox announces measures to strengthen protections for minors

Roblox Enhances Protections for Minors with AI-Powered Age Verification

Roblox, the popular online gaming platform known for hosting millions of user-created games, announced on Tuesday that it is implementing stronger measures to protect minors using the platform.

One of the key changes introduced by Roblox is the requirement for players to utilize AI-powered facial age-estimation technology to verify their age. This system, in conjunction with ID-based age verification and confirmed parental consent, aims to offer a more precise measure of a user’s age compared to relying solely on self-reported information during account creation.

The company will initially roll out the age-check requirement in specific global markets such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with plans to expand the system to other countries by early January. Additionally, Roblox is launching an online safety center dedicated to assisting families in understanding and configuring parental controls on the platform.

These enhanced protections come at a time when numerous families, alongside attorneys general in Kentucky and Louisiana, are filing lawsuits against Roblox, Discord, and other tech companies for allegedly failing to prevent sexual predators from targeting children on their platforms. Florida is also conducting an investigation into Roblox, with Attorney General James Uthmeier accusing the platform of inadequately safeguarding minors.

In September, Roblox revealed its intention to extend age verification measures to all users seeking access to communication features within the gaming platform. These safeguards are designed to restrict communication between adults and minors unless they have a pre-existing real-world connection.