Roblox has started implementing facial age verification globally to enhance safety on its platform, which is particularly popular among children. This new security measure aims to create a safer environment following criticism over the platform's child safety protocols. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman emphasized that Roblox is the first major online gaming platform to mandate facial age checks for chat access. With this rollout, children under nine will need parental permission to use chat, while users aged 13+ can communicate with a wider range of peers through a "Trusted Connections Feature." Players may need to verify their age periodically, and images used for verification are deleted immediately for privacy. Despite these efforts, concerns about the effectiveness of such technology remain, especially after reports of users circumventing it. The move comes amid scrutiny of Roblox's handling of child safety issues.

How is Roblox improving child safety with facial age verification?

Roblox is enhancing child safety by implementing facial age verification to restrict chat access based on age, requiring parental permission for younger users, and promoting safer interactions through age-appropriate communication guidelines.

Roblox is an online platform that allows users to create and play games designed by other users. Launched in 2006, it has grown to become a massive social gaming hub for children and teenagers. The platform encourages creativity and social interaction, but it has faced significant challenges with user safety, especially concerning potential interactions between adults and children, which has driven these new safety enhancements. The latest measures reflect the ongoing commitment of Roblox to create a safer environment for its young user base amidst mounting criticisms and legal pressures.