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Roblox expands child safety measures with age-specific accounts
Roblox has rolled out a new safety framework that tailors account access based on estimated user age, despite criticism from parents over misclassification risks. The platform, which serves 144 million daily users globally, now offers Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts, restricting content and communication features according to age bands.
How the system works
The company's age-estimation technology, which includes facial analysis, now covers over half of its daily users-tens of millions worldwide. Roblox claims the system typically predicts ages within 1.4 years for users under 18, arguing it is more reliable than self-reported age data. Users who skip age verification will be limited to child-friendly content and blocked from communication features.
Previously, Roblox required age checks only for chat access, segmenting users into age groups to reduce risks like grooming. The updated system extends these controls to account types, content visibility, and developer-created experiences. Games with social or unstructured elements will be restricted by default for younger users.
Parental concerns and errors
Some parents told the BBC their children were incorrectly classified as adults during verification, weakening parental controls. Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, acknowledged potential errors but suggested many complaints stem from parents completing checks for their children or misunderstanding the process. The company allows appeals, ID verification, and age resets to correct mistakes.
"When you ask users their age, they'll tell you whatever gets them access."
Matt Kaufman, Roblox Chief Safety Officer
Kaufman also dismissed concerns raised by a developer who urged constant parental monitoring, calling it "irresponsible" to let individual opinions shape platform-wide policies.
Expert skepticism and regulatory pressure
Professor Sonia Livingstone of the London School of Economics praised Roblox's efforts but warned of lingering risks, including adult content in games and potential contact with minors. She called for independent verification of moderation effectiveness and transparency around age checks, which she cautioned could enable commercial profiling.
The changes arrive as global regulators tighten child safety rules. The UK's Online Safety Act imposes new duties on platforms, while several countries propose age-based social media restrictions. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki has previously stated parents should decide whether their children use the platform.
Roblox's defense
Kaufman framed the scrutiny as inevitable for a leading platform, emphasizing Roblox's proactive approach. "Because we're the biggest online gaming platform, attention on us makes sense," he said, asserting the company exceeds industry standards.
Yet critics argue the system's reliance on automated age checks-without published error rates-leaves gaps in protection. A recent case involving a 14-year-old groomed into sharing explicit images underscored ongoing risks, with the victim's mother accusing Roblox of inadequate safeguards.
