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Advocacy groups file complaint with FTC
Child safety organizations have called on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Roblox, alleging the gaming platform employs deceptive practices that expose young users to financial and social risks. The complaint, submitted by Fairplay and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, highlights concerns over in-game spending, chat features, and design elements they claim exploit children's vulnerabilities.
In-game spending and financial risks
The groups argue Roblox's virtual currency, Robux, creates a confusing system where children struggle to grasp real-world costs. The filing describes the platform's economy as overly complex, making it difficult for parents to monitor spending. One case cited involved a 10-year-old who spent over $7,000 in two months despite parental controls.
Roblox countered that only 1.4% of its 132 million daily active users made purchases in early 2026, emphasizing most games are free to play. A spokesperson stated the platform prohibits gambling-like mechanics and enforces policies against paid random items.
Design features accused of exploiting children
The complaint alleges Roblox uses engagement-driven design to retain young players, including daily reward streaks and systems that encourage social comparison through virtual possessions. Some games incorporate chance-based rewards, which critics liken to gambling mechanics, potentially misleading children about odds and value.
"Parents are doing everything to protect their kids on Roblox, but it's not a fair fight. The platform exploits children's developmental needs and preys on their vulnerabilities," said Ashwin Verghese, Fairplay's communications director.
Communication risks and grooming concerns
Despite Roblox's efforts to block children from chatting with adults and implementing age-estimation technology, the complaint warns that text and voice chat features still expose minors to inappropriate content. Researchers using under-13 accounts reported encountering sexual references and offensive language within minutes. The filing also references cases of grooming and exploitation on the platform.
Drew Benvie, CEO of Battenhall and founder of youth safety nonprofit Raise, argued that age limits alone are insufficient. He called for broader awareness and legislative action to address addictive design features, describing current measures as a "digital sticking plaster."
Regulatory scrutiny and industry trends
Roblox reported $4.9 billion in 2025 revenue, a 36% increase from the previous year. The FTC has not indicated whether it will launch a formal investigation, but the complaint reflects growing regulatory focus on how gaming and social media platforms monetize and protect young users. Recent legal actions, such as a California lawsuit against Meta and YouTube over addictive design, suggest more platforms could face similar challenges.
