LOUSIVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Roblox will add new age-verification requirements as the popular gaming platform faces lawsuits accusing it of failing to protect young users.
Players who want to use chat features will soon have to verify their age by submitting a government ID or allowing an artificial intelligence tool to scan their face and estimate their age.
Roblox has been sued several times, including in a case brought by Kentucky's attorney general.
The complaint argues that behind Roblox's cartoon-style design are real risks — alleging predators and extremist groups have targeted children as young as 8.
Brittany Reynolds, a Louisville mother of five, said she has long monitored her children’s gaming activity, setting rules to keep them safe.
“Something we implemented in our house is they are not allowed to go up to their rooms and play video games — they play them in the living room where we can keep an eye on them and monitor what they are doing,” Reynolds said.
Nima Asgari, owner of Olympus Gaming Lounge in Louisville, said the new safeguards provide peace of mind for parents.
“I definitely think it adds a sense of security for the parents — just given that comfortability of knowing, ‘Hey, now my kid can’t mindlessly get on — now it’s getting age verified,’” he said.
Company executives said Roblox already has safeguards in place but claim the new system will expand the number of users who confirm their age.
The verification feature will launch Monday on a voluntary basis. It will become mandatory for users worldwide early next year.
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki said the update is expected to greatly increase the number of users verifying their age.
“In addition to parental controls, so parents can already control who their youngster might communicate with, we will not be allowing any of that communication, even with filtered text, even with no image sharing between young people and, for example, adults, unless they happen to know each other and set up that connection,” he said.
“It’s worth it, 100%. Their safety is my number one priority, so as many safeguards as needed, then I am OK with that,” Reynolds said.
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