Roblox is facing accusations of being a haven for predators, as a lawsuit has been filed against the popular online gaming platform by a US attorney general. The legal action, initiated in a Kentucky court, highlights concerns that Roblox is not adequately safeguarding children on its gaming services. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is urging the Roblox Corporation to enhance protective measures for minors, including implementing robust age verification procedures and content filters.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Coleman, Courtney Norris, a mother of three from Kentucky, admitted she had mistakenly believed Roblox to be a safe choice for her children’s online gaming activities. She described her realization that the platform is like the “Wild West” of the internet specifically designed for kids. This lawsuit is one of several recent legal challenges against the company, with Louisiana and Iowa also taking legal actions following incidents involving children encountering dangerous situations on Roblox.
Roblox has responded to the allegations, asserting that it maintains strict safety protocols, including advanced AI models and a dedicated team monitoring the platform around the clock for inappropriate content. The company stated that while no system is flawless, they are continuously enhancing safety measures, with recent additions such as facial age estimation technology. Roblox disclosed having 111 million daily active users and emphasized implementing stringent safety settings for its youngest users to prevent unauthorized interactions and inappropriate content exposure.
The platform restricts users under 13 from direct messaging other users outside of games or experiences, unless parental controls are adjusted. Roblox also employs text chat filters to block inappropriate language, discourages personal information sharing, prohibits image sharing between users, and bans sexual conversations. Despite these measures, the Kentucky lawsuit alleges that Roblox lacks fundamental safety controls and fails to adequately inform users and parents about potential risks on the platform.
Coleman, the Kentucky Attorney General, criticized Roblox for presenting a seemingly harmless facade with its cartoonish elements while harboring dangerous threats underneath. He warned that the platform has become a playground for predators targeting children. The lawsuit asserts that children are exposed to violent or sexual content within the Roblox universe, with reports of minors being contacted by strangers via third-party chat applications integrated into the game.
Norris echoed the sentiments of many parents who initially viewed Roblox as a secure environment for children’s gaming, likening it to a “fenced-in backyard.” She highlighted the illusion of safety that Roblox creates, making it challenging for parents to monitor effectively. The lawsuit accuses Roblox of violating Kentucky’s Consumer Protection Act and seeks penalties for non-compliance.
While Coleman expressed willingness to negotiate a resolution with Roblox, emphasizing the goal of ensuring a safe online environment, Roblox reiterated its commitment to child safety. The company expressed openness to discussions with Coleman’s office to clarify their safety initiatives and address concerns raised in the lawsuit.