Roblox has released additional information about its upcoming age-verification system, which is intended to strengthen safety on the platform. A key part of the change is a chat limit that keeps communication within a user’s age group. The company says it wants this approach to set a new standard for safety in online gaming.
The update comes at a time when Roblox is under heightened scrutiny. The platform has been hit with lawsuits and formal warnings, with critics citing risks for its younger users. Roblox has pushed back, noting its significant investment in safety features, but the latest changes seem aimed squarely at addressing those concerns.
Roblox first talked about this system back in September. It works by scanning a selfie to guess your age and then drops you into one of several age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, or 21+. Kids under nine won’t be able to chat at all unless a parent changes the setting. Everyone else can only chat with strangers in the same age bracket. There’s also a “Trusted Connections” option that lets players 13 and up talk with verified family members.
Roblox also stresses that these conversations won’t take place without oversight. The company says human moderators review chats, messages are filtered through age-appropriate systems, and photo or video sharing is blocked for everyone. The verification system will start rolling out in December in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with a global launch set for January.
Roblox CFO Matt Kaufman explains that the system is intended to create a more trustworthy space for users. Even so, confidence in the platform has been undermined by recent lawsuits. Earlier this month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a case claiming Roblox prioritized profits over children’s safety. In August, Louisiana initiated its own lawsuit, alleging that the platform enabled predators and inappropriate content to reach minors.
These lawsuits often include distressing accounts. For instance, one of the many cases filed by a Florida attorney involves a 13-year-old girl from Nevada who was allegedly manipulated by an adult impersonating a child. The predator reportedly coaxed her into sharing her phone number and explicit material.
A Roblox spokesperson said the company is “deeply troubled” by incidents that put users in danger and noted that its rules are purposely tougher than what users will find on most platforms. The challenge ahead is proving that these new safety tools can actually fix the problems people are worried about.
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