Home / Technology / Campaigners Demand Roblox Investigation: Profit Over Safety?
Campaigners Demand Roblox Investigation: Profit Over Safety?
20 May
Summary
- Groups accuse Roblox of exploiting children's impulse control via in-game currency.
- Concerns raised over platform's chat features exposing minors to adults and abuse.
- Roblox faces calls for FTC investigation into alleged unfair trade practices.
Online child safety campaigners, including Jonathan Haidt's Anxious Generation Movement and Fairplay, have submitted a dossier to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting an investigation into Roblox. They contend the gaming platform's design and business practices conflict with children's developmental needs, potentially harming millions of daily users, many under 13.
The dossier criticizes Roblox's 'engagement-maximizing design features' and alleges that its voice and text chat functions expose children to sexual content and harmful adults. Furthermore, the virtual currency, Robux, is accused of monetizing children's 'lack of impulse control'.
Roblox, based in San Mateo, California, reported significant revenue growth, driven by Robux sales. The campaigners argue that the company has consistently chosen profit over its obligation to design a safe product for its young user base. They are urging the FTC to investigate alleged unfair trade practices and compliance with children's online privacy laws.
Despite Roblox's claims of implementing safeguards like age estimation and Sentinel for detecting endangerment, the campaigners assert these measures are insufficient. This intervention highlights a growing backlash against online platforms, mirroring recent legal actions against Meta and YouTube for allegedly harmful, addictive designs.
A Roblox spokesperson stated that the company strongly disputes the claims, emphasizing its commitment to providing a positive and safe experience, not just short-term engagement. They highlighted existing safeguards, restricted chat features for younger users, and noted that a small percentage of users purchase Robux.
