Home / Technology / Roblox Bets on Selfies to Shield Kids from Predators
Roblox Bets on Selfies to Shield Kids from Predators
18 Nov
Summary
- Roblox introduces selfie-based age verification to block adult messages to minors.
- The new system will categorize users into distinct age groups for chat interactions.
- This facial age check is a first for online gaming platforms, starting voluntarily.
Roblox is introducing mandatory selfie-based age verification to protect young users from online predators and inappropriate content. This pioneering move aims to prevent adults from messaging minors by confirming user ages through facial scans. The system will segment users into distinct age groups, limiting chat interactions to within or similar age ranges.
The new age verification feature is beginning voluntarily, with a mandatory rollout set for December. Gamers in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will be the first to undergo these checks, followed by other countries including the UK and US next year. Those who decline the age verification will lose access to the chat feature.
This initiative follows concerns about extremist content and grooming on the platform. While Roblox has strict policies against such content, the new age check is designed to create a safer, age-appropriate environment for its over 150 million users, encouraging broader industry adoption of similar safety standards.
