Roblox, the popular gaming platform, is set to restrict communication between adult strangers and children by the end of the year in an effort to eliminate “bad actors.”
With over 110 million users engaged in games like Grow a Garden and Brookhaven RP, the platform has faced scrutiny over child safety as studies have indicated that children can interact with adults during gameplay.
Last month, the platform announced a ban on vigilantes attempting to confront predators. In the previous year, Roblox submitted over 24,000 reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, addressing allegations of child sexual exploitation in the U.S.
On Wednesday, it was announced that by the end of 2025, all users will be required to utilize text and chat communication tools alongside thousands of games and pass age verification. Users who cannot prove they are over 18 must show that they know who they wish to communicate with. Currently, Roblox mandates proof that the user is over 13 years old to enable communication.
“We’re instituting two major changes,” stated Matt Kaufman, the chief safety officer of the $92 billion gaming company. “By the end of the year, we will require all users with access to Roblox communications to undergo an age verification or estimation process.”
“This process will provide better insight into the user’s age, rather than solely relying on self-reported age at registration. This is especially crucial for younger users, making it imperative to use communication features appropriately based on age.”
The platform continues to expand rapidly, recently allowing companies like Netflix, Lionsgate, and Sega to develop games using their intellectual property on Roblox.
In April, The Guardian published a “deeply intrusive” study highlighting how easily children can encounter inappropriate content and unmonitored interactions with adults. One parent reported that adult strangers could contact their child on the platform, soliciting them to share explicit images. Others have expressed concerns regarding exposure to violent and sexual content, leading to distress for their children.
Roblox stated in a blog post, “Our users, creator community, parents, partners, and lawmakers strive for the same goal as us: to ensure young people remain safe while using Roblox. We are committed to continually innovating and enhancing our safety systems, policies, and moderation tools.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
