• Roblox is set to implement age verification mechanisms by the end of 2023.
• The platform faces allegations of insufficient protection for young users and child exploitation.
• Approximately 100 million users engage with Roblox daily, with a significant portion being under 13.
• New systems will limit communication between adults and minors unless they are acquainted in real life.
• Roblox's actions align with global trends in enhancing online safety for young users.

The publisher of Roblox has announced plans to introduce age verification mechanisms by the end of this year, in response to concerns about user safety, particularly among children and teens. Matt Kaufman, the head of safety, stated that Roblox will "expand age estimation to all users who access our on-platform communication features" through age checks and parental consent, aiming to curtail communication between adults and minors unless they know each other offline, as detailed in a blog post according to Dawn, Channel News Asia, and TRT Global.

With around 100 million active users, a substantial 40% of whom are under the age of 13, Roblox has faced significant scrutiny over its safety protocols. The platform is currently embroiled in legal issues, including a lawsuit filed by Louisiana accusing it of facilitating child exploitation and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. This reflects ongoing concerns that Roblox has not sufficiently protected its youngest users from potential dangers, Channel News Asia and TRT Global report.

Last year, allegations arose from activist firm Hindenburg Research claiming Roblox inflated its monthly active user counts and failed to adequately protect users from sexual predators. Despite these accusations, Roblox has committed to enhancing parental controls and improving the labeling of user-generated content to make the platform safer for children, Dawn and Channel News Asia.

This move to strengthen age verification protocols is consistent with broader global efforts to impose strict age controls across various online platforms, particularly in light of recent legislations like London's Online Safety Act and similar initiatives in EU countries aimed at enhancing protections for young internet users Dawn, Channel News Asia, and TRT Global.