After being rocked by several lawsuits over child safety, Roblox is globally rolling out mandatory age verification for users who want to access chat and other communication features on the platform.
Aimed at improving age-based security controls, age verification on Roblox follows recent trials in some markets.
Part of the new system is that users must verify their age by allowing the Roblox app to access their device’s camera and completing a facial verification process guided by on-screen instructions.
All images and videos captured during verification are deleted once verification is complete. The verification process is handled by a third-party provider, Persona, which also deletes user data after processing, Roblox claimed.
Although age verification is optional for gameplay in general, the company has clarified that it is now required to access chat and communication tools.
At what age does Roblox age verification apply to users?
Users aged 13 and over can choose to verify their age using a government-issued ID instead of facial verification. If the system incorrectly estimates a user’s age, Roblox allows appeals through alternative verification methods, including identity checks or parental controls.
After successful verification, users can access age-based communication, and even that comes with limited interactions within similar age groups.
Roblox has divided users into six groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, and 21 and over. That said, the amount of chatting you can do on Roblox ultimately depends on your age.
Players can communicate with other members of their own group and adjacent age groups. Chat would be disabled by default for children under nine years old, unless parental consent is offered after verification.
The company says the new method is more accurate in determining users’ ages than relying solely on self-reported birthdates during account creation.
