The online gaming platform Roblox will implement stricter age verification measures by the end of 2025 to prevent adults from communicating with children they don’t know personally. This move comes amid ongoing safety concerns regarding unsupervised interactions between minors and adults on the platform.
Under the new system, all users wishing to utilize text and chat features will be required to undergo an age verification or estimation process. This process is designed to determine a user’s age more accurately than the current self-reported method used at sign-up. Users who cannot verify they are 18 or older will be restricted to communicating only with individuals they already know in real life. Currently, the platform only requires users to be over 13 to access open communication tools.
A company executive stated that these changes serve a dual purpose: ensuring younger users are of an appropriate age for communication features and preventing malicious actors from impersonating children. The platform will also introduce new limits to block communication between younger users and adult strangers.
The decision follows reports highlighting the ease with which children can encounter inappropriate content and interact with adults on the platform. Some parents have reported instances of adults attempting to coax children into sharing explicit images. The platform has previously submitted thousands of reports to authorities concerning suspected child exploitation.
In a public statement, the company affirmed its commitment to user safety, noting it is continuously refining its safety systems, moderation tools, and policies. It stated that its goal is to provide a secure environment for young people to play, learn, and explore.
