Roblox is rolling out mandatory age verification for all users who wish to access its chat feature globally, a significant move aimed at enhancing online safety and ensuring age-appropriate communication. This update, initially piloted in select regions, now extends to all areas where chat is available, including the US, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
The platform’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about protecting younger users in digital spaces. With millions of daily active users, many of whom are minors, Roblox has consistently faced scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. This new requirement addresses long-standing concerns about interactions between different age groups.
Previously, age verification on Roblox was voluntary, but its expansion to a compulsory global standard for chat access represents a proactive step. It underscores a growing industry trend towards more stringent identity checks to foster safer online environments, especially within popular gaming ecosystems.
Implementing age verification and tiered communication
To access the chat function, users must now complete a verification process, which Roblox describes as private, fast, and secure, powered by Persona. Once verified, users are assigned to one of six distinct age groups: under 7, 9-12, 13-15, 15-17, 18-20, and 21+. This system dictates who players can communicate with by default.
For instance, a nine-year-old user is restricted from chatting with anyone older than 13, while a 16-year-old can communicate with users aged 13-20. This tiered approach aims to significantly limit interactions between minors and adults, a key aspect of the new Roblox age checks.
The platform also states it will “constantly evaluate user behavior” to flag discrepancies. This could potentially require users deemed to be in the wrong tier to undergo the re-verification process, ensuring consistent age-appropriate environments.
Roblox highlights this as a first for a major online gaming platform, requiring age checks for all users to access chat. This move underscores a significant commitment to user safety across its global ecosystem.
Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer, stated: “Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users. By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”
Broader implications for user safety and industry standards
The global rollout of these mandatory Roblox safety features builds on a series of updates over the past year. In November 2024, the platform introduced protections that prevented users under 13 from direct messaging in platform chats and restricted their broadcast messages within games. It also appended “sensitive issues” content tags to certain experiences.
While enhancing safety, these measures also raise questions about user experience and privacy, though Roblox asserts that Persona deletes personal data immediately after processing. The company reports that over 50% of daily active users in pilot countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands have already verified their ages, demonstrating significant user adoption.
This initiative could set a new benchmark for online platforms, particularly those popular with children and teenagers. As digital interactions become more complex, robust age verification platforms are becoming essential. The move by Roblox signals a potential shift in how the industry approaches online child protection, balancing open communication with necessary safeguards.
Roblox’s global age checks for chat represent a substantial investment in user safety and a clear statement of intent regarding responsible platform management. By creating these age-based communication barriers, the company aims to foster a more secure and appropriate environment for its diverse user base. The success of this implementation could influence future regulatory discussions and inspire similar measures across the broader online gaming and social media landscape.
