Roblox is implementing mandatory facial age checks globally due to growing allegations of child grooming
Roblox is enhancing the security of its chat features by implementing mandatory facial age verification globally, in response to months of lawsuits and investigations related to child safety on the platform. The worldwide launch follows the company’s discreet testing of the system in several markets last month.
As reported by TechCrunch, the updated policy requires users to undergo an age verification process within the Roblox app in order to engage in chat. The procedure involves allowing camera access and adhering to the on-screen prompts for facial verification. Roblox states that any images or videos taken during the verification process are removed once the verification is finished. A third-party vendor, Persona, manages the process, and Roblox states that all images and videos are deleted after verification.
Individuals who are 13 years old and above have the option to verify their age using a government-issued ID as an alternative to facial verification. Roblox states that while age checks are not necessary to play games or access the platform, they are essential for any communication features. Chat remains inaccessible without verification.
Roblox states that if the system incorrectly assesses a user’s age, there are options available for appeal. Users have the option to reverify via ID checks or utilize parental controls, enabling parents to amend their child’s age if it was mistakenly flagged.
“By utilizing various signals, Roblox continuously assesses user behavior to ascertain whether an individual is notably older or younger than anticipated,” the company stated in a blog post. “In these circumstances, Roblox will soon prompt users to undergo the age-verification process again.”
Upon verification, users are granted entry to chat groups categorized by age, aimed at minimizing significant age differences in discussions. The six groups span ages from under 9 to 21 and older, allowing users to communicate solely with individuals in neighboring age categories. By default, chat is disabled for children under the age of 9 unless a parent gives consent following an age verification process.
A new requirement has emerged as Roblox contends with lawsuits from the attorneys general of Texas and Louisiana, among others, regarding claims that the platform has put children at risk of grooming and exposure to explicit content. Roblox states that the revised system offers greater accuracy compared to depending on users to self-report their birth year during account creation.
