Roblox has unveiled a series of new safety measures aimed at enhancing protections for users under 13 years old, following ongoing criticism regarding the platform’s safeguards for younger audiences. With approximately 70 million daily users worldwide, Roblox allows players to create and explore games crafted by others. Its popularity is particularly high among children, but concerns have been raised about exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
Starting December 3, developers on Roblox will be required to label their games as suitable or unsuitable for players under 13. Games that fail to comply with this requirement will be inaccessible to users aged 12 and below. Additionally, beginning November 18, children under 13 will no longer be able to participate in “social hangouts,” which are virtual spaces designed for direct communication through text and voice chat. These hangouts are described as environments where players interact as themselves rather than assuming a fictional role.
Another restriction set to take effect on November 18 will prevent users under 13 from engaging with “free-form 2D user creation.” This feature enables players to draw or write in 2D and share their creations with others, bypassing Roblox’s moderation systems. The move aims to curb the potential spread of offensive or inappropriate content that is challenging to regulate effectively.
Roblox, in a statement to its developer community, acknowledged the swift timeline for these changes and requested cooperation to ensure the platform remains a safe space for users of all ages.
Roblox, the most popular game among children aged 8 to 12 in the UK, has faced scrutiny over its content moderation and safety measures. Earlier this year, reports surfaced of children encountering inappropriate behavior on the platform, including one case where a user was approached and asked for explicit images. These issues prompted Ofcom, the UK’s online safety regulator, to call for tech companies to shield children from harmful content and propose new regulatory guidelines.
Roblox emphasized its commitment to safety, stating it has implemented over 30 system and policy improvements in 2023, with further enhancements planned. Despite rolling out these changes quickly, the company has said enforcement of the new safety standards will not begin until 2025.