Roblox Ages: New Tech Blocks Kids From Chatting Adults

Roblox has launched new age assurance features in Australia, using Persona's age estimation technology via device cameras. This system aims to prevent younger users from messaging adults outside their age groups. Users will be categorized into six age groups, with chat functionality restricted to similar age brackets. These changes, which will become mandatory in Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand by December, are seen by regulators as a positive step towards platform safety.

Despite these safety enhancements, Roblox maintains that its platform should not fall under Australia's imminent ban on social media for under-16s. Company officials describe Roblox as an 'immersive gaming platform' where games facilitate social interaction, distinguishing it from content-feed-driven social media. They argue that their focus is on friends playing together, not on creating a 'fear of missing out' environment.

The age estimation technology has shown some inaccuracies, with significant false positive rates for younger teens. Roblox states that users can correct age estimations with government ID or parental controls, and that facial data is deleted after verification. Those who opt out of age checks will still access the platform but lose chat privileges.