Roblox Corporation has announced a significant update to its platform safety protocols by introducing mandatory age checks for users who wish to access communication features. This move positions Roblox as the first online gaming and communication platform to implement facial age verification to control chat access. The new measure aims to set a global safety standard by restricting conversations to age-appropriate groups.
Age-Based Chat Implementation and Timeline
The age check requirement will start to be enforced in early December in selected markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. By early January, Roblox will extend this policy wherever chat is available worldwide. Users can voluntarily complete the facial age estimation process beginning immediately to secure uninterrupted access. After completing the age check, users receive an assigned age group classification such as under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, or 21 and older.
Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s Chief Safety Officer, stated, “Every day, we work to provide over 150 million users with a safe, positive, age-appropriate experience on Roblox. By requiring facial age checks to access chat features, we’re helping create an age-appropriate environment for every user, and we encourage the broader industry to adopt similar standards.”
Age-Appropriate Communication Limitations
The new system restricts communication between users based on age groups to protect younger users from interactions with significantly older individuals unless connected as trusted contacts. For example, a 12-year-old user can only chat with others aged 15 or under within the experience chat, and users 16 or older cannot initiate or engage in chat with them. Conversely, an 18-year-old user may communicate with others 16 or older and add younger users as trusted connections if they are at least 13 years old.
For users under nine years old, chat defaults to being turned off in experiences unless a parent consents following an age check. Additionally, users under 13 cannot access chat outside of experiences. These configurations build on Roblox’s existing default age restrictions and safety features.
Roblox’s new age guidelines
Facial Age Estimation Technology and Privacy
Roblox uses facial age estimation technology to determine users’ age groups. The process requires users to verify their age via a selfie captured through the Roblox app. Users follow instructions by positioning their face inside the camera frame and turning their head left and right. The images are processed securely by a third-party vendor and deleted immediately after processing.
Users also have the option to confirm their age through other means, such as ID verification, depending on local legislative requirements. Parents retain control through parental controls, allowing them to view and modify their child’s birthday even after the facial age estimation is complete.
Jules Polonetsky, CEO of the Future of Privacy Forum, commented, “Roblox deploying this privacy-preserving implementation of thoughtful age assurance for its uniquely mixed audience of youth and adults will strengthen protections for younger players while respecting user rights.”
Robust Multi-Layered Safety Approach
Since January 2025, Roblox has launched more than 145 new safety initiatives. These include real-time artificial intelligence monitoring across all text and voice communications and thousands of trained human moderators. The platform prevents under-13 users from using private or voice chats by default and filters all public chats to block inappropriate content.
Additional measures include limiting mature content, restricting external link sharing, and collaboration with law enforcement and over 20 global safety organisations. The company also provides robust parental controls to help families customise settings to their preferences and monitors experiences and avatars to enforce rules actively.
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As part of their ongoing commitment, Roblox launched a new Safety Center this year, offering resources and guidance for parents and caregivers. The centre supports informed decisions and helps manage children’s online interactions on the platform.
Future Outlook
Roblox’s new age check mandate marks an important milestone towards creating a safer online space for users of all ages. The company’s use of innovative technology and policy design aims to prevent inappropriate communications between adults and minors while allowing age-appropriate interactions. Roblox hopes this new safety framework sets an example for other online gaming, social media, and communication platforms to follow.
The platform’s safety systems evolve continuously, with Roblox emphasising that no system is flawless but requiring age verification as a foundation enhances protection. The company acknowledges that some bad actors may try to bypass these safeguards but remains committed to strengthening moderation tools to counter those attempts.
In summary, Roblox’s introduction of mandatory facial age checks for chat features reflects the company’s mission to safeguard its global user base as it grows. The approach balances user privacy with safety, enabling a customised communication experience appropriate for diverse age groups while partnering with families and safety experts worldwide. This development will play a pivotal role in shaping online safety standards for years to come.
