Roblox Makes Facial Age Checks Mandatory for Chat Access
Roblox is moving to restrict communication on its platform by mandating facial age verification for all users. Starting in January, the company will require individuals to verify their age to access chat features, a measure designed to enforce age-appropriate social interactions and mitigate risks to minors.
This global rollout follows a phased implementation. Beginning this Tuesday, users can voluntarily verify their age. A mandatory enforcement period will then launch in early December for select markets, including Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, before the requirement becomes universal at the start of the new year.
The policy change arrives as the platform faces intense legal scrutiny. Attorneys general from Texas and Louisiana have initiated lawsuits against the company, citing external reports that highlighted how young users were being exposed to grooming and explicit material.
How the Verification Works
To complete the check, users must utilize the camera within the Roblox app and follow prompted instructions for facial scanning. The process is managed by a third-party vendor, Persona. According to Roblox, both the platform and the vendor will delete all images and videos once the estimation is complete.
Following the verification, users are placed into one of six age brackets:
- Under 9
- 9 to 12
- 13 to 15
- 16 to 17
- 18 to 20
- 21 plus
The system restricts interactions based on these groups. For example, a 12-year-old would be limited to chatting with others aged 15 and younger, effectively preventing contact with users aged 16 and older.
Safety and Parental Controls
Raj Bhatia, Roblox’s VP and head of user and discovery product, explained that the goal is to ensure users socialize within appropriate age groups and to limit contact between minors and unknown adults. Matt Kaufman, the company’s chief safety officer, described the mandate as an industry-first for a gaming and social platform.
Complementing these changes, Roblox is launching a new Safety Center. This resource hub is intended to provide parents and caregivers with specific guidance on managing parental controls and navigating the platform’s safety tools.