Roblox Implements Age Verification and Segregated Chats Amid Child Safety Concerns
Roblox implements age verification and age-based chat systems globally, using AI facial estimation, to enhance child safety and address ongoing criticism and lawsuits.
Overview
Roblox is introducing mandatory age verification and age-based chat systems to enhance user safety on its platform, responding to growing concerns and legal challenges.
The new safety measures will utilize AI-powered facial age-estimation technology, making Roblox the first platform to require age checks specifically for communication access.
Implementation begins in December in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with a broader rollout to additional select markets scheduled for January.
Users will be assigned to specific age groups, from under nine to 21 and over, to access appropriate chat features; parental permission is required for users under 13.
These changes come as Roblox, with over 150 million global users, faces criticism and lawsuits over child safety issues, particularly concerning its large underage user base.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Roblox's new age verification and chat system neutrally, focusing on factual reporting. They detail the policy's implementation, the context of child safety concerns and regulations, and the technical aspects. The coverage maintains balance by presenting expert caution alongside company reassurances, avoiding loaded language or a specific narrative.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Roblox's age verification system uses a combination of AI-powered facial age estimation, government ID checks, and verified parental consent for minors. Users must submit a selfie for analysis, which categorizes them into age brackets. ID verification is required to reduce false submissions, and parental approval is needed for users under 13.
The new age verification and chat segregation features will begin rolling out in December 2025 in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with a broader rollout to additional markets scheduled for January 2026.
Roblox is implementing AI-powered age verification, age-based chat segregation, stricter parental controls, and new content restrictions. The platform is also updating its avatar detection model and expanding experience guidelines to restrict access to certain experiences for younger users.
Roblox is introducing these measures to enhance child safety, address ongoing criticism and lawsuits, and ensure that users only access content and communication features appropriate for their age group.
Communication between adults and minors will be restricted unless both parties can verify they know each other in real life, adding an extra layer of protection for younger users.
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