Roblox Corporation has announced changes to its child-safety policies in an effort to make the platform safer for its young users. This decision comes after concerns were raised regarding the safety of pre-teen users on the popular gaming platform. The company has been under fire for failing to protect its predominantly young player base, with accusations of exposing children to inappropriate content and potentially dangerous situations.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Roblox reported over 13,000 instances of child exploitation last year, leading to the arrest of several individuals who had abused minors through the platform. Additionally, a report by Hindenberg Research accused Roblox of inflating player numbers and failing to ensure the safety of its young users. Despite Roblox’s denials of these claims, the company has decided to implement new measures to enhance child safety.
One of the key changes announced by Roblox is that children under the age of 13 will now require parental permission to access chat features by default. Additionally, children under nine will need permission to play experiences with a content maturity rating of “moderate”, which may include moderate violence or crude humor. These restrictions will be automatically lifted as users reach certain age milestones, unless parents or users have made changes manually.
Furthermore, Roblox will introduce a new type of account for parents next month, allowing them to update parental controls and monitor their child’s online activity and friends. These changes are part of the company’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for all users, especially young children. Roblox has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of young developers on the platform, with concerns raised about exploitation and inappropriate working conditions.
Despite these controversies, Roblox remains a popular platform for young gamers, with millions of players worldwide. The company’s CEO, Stefano Corazza, has defended the platform’s practices, stating that children making money on the platform is not exploitation but rather a valuable opportunity. However, Roblox has clarified that they do not hire minors, despite previous statements made by Corazza.
Overall, Roblox’s updated child-safety policies aim to address concerns about the safety of pre-teen users on the platform and ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. By implementing these changes, Roblox is taking a proactive approach to safeguarding its young user base and creating a more positive and secure online environment.
