Roblox, the online gaming platform widely used by children, announced this week that it will expand its age estimation technology to all users and adopt standardized age ratings for games and apps. The move comes as the company faces mounting scrutiny over predator grooming scandals and lawsuits alleging it has failed to protect minors.
By the end of 2025, Roblox will roll out an age estimation system that requires users to scan selfies, allowing facial analysis to determine approximate age. The company says the tool will help prevent adults from communicating with children through voice and text chat. This system will be used alongside ID verification and parental consent features to strengthen child safety. Roblox also pledged to launch new restrictions to further separate adult and child interactions.
In addition, Roblox is partnering with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) to replace its in-house maturity labels with globally recognized content ratings. U.S. players will see Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings, while users abroad will receive ratings from authorities such as PEGI in Europe, GRAC in South Korea, and USK in Germany. Roblox says the goal is to give parents clearer insight into potentially concerning content, including violence, adult themes, and gambling elements.
The changes follow legal action in Louisiana, where Attorney General Liz Murrell (R) filed a lawsuit accusing Roblox of enabling predators. Murrell argued the platform prioritizes profit over safety, claiming it is “overrun with harmful content and child predators.”
The scandal has been compounded by lawsuits detailing how predators exploited Roblox to solicit nude images and even arrange meetings with minors. One case involved a 13-year-old who was manipulated into sending explicit material in exchange for Roblox gift cards.
With its user base still heavily child-focused, Roblox is under intense pressure to prove it can protect young players while balancing profits and safety reforms.
