Roblox Launches Age-Based Accounts for Enhanced Child Safety

Roblox has announced the global rollout of "Kids" and "Select" accounts, introducing new content protections for its younger user base. These account types, previously launched in select international markets, aim to enhance safety on the gaming platform.

Kids accounts are designed for users aged five to eight. They restrict access to games labeled as "minimal" or "mild" in maturity and disable chat features by default. Select accounts cater to users aged nine to 15, allowing access to games rated up to "moderate," which may include certain levels of violence, crude humor, fear, light realistic blood, and unplayable gambling content. Chat settings for Select accounts vary based on the user's age and region.

Users are automatically assigned to an account type following an age-check process and are transitioned to new account types as they grow older, eventually gaining access to a standard Roblox account at age 16. "With Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, we're creating age-based protections designed to support younger users at different stages, while giving parents tools to personalize the experience for their family," said Matt Kaufman, Roblox's chief safety officer, in the company's announcement.

In addition to existing parental controls, Roblox is expanding game blocking and chat management features for parents of teens up to 16. Parents will also have the option to approve specific games not included in their child's default account settings.

The introduction of these new account types occurs while Roblox faces considerable legal and public pressure. The company is involved in over 160 cases where plaintiffs allege sexual exploitation of children due to insufficient child safety measures. Roblox, alongside Discord, has reportedly requested these claims be moved from court to closed-door arbitration, according to Bloomberg.

Earlier this year, Roblox settled investigations into its child safety handling with Alabama and West Virginia, paying $23 million. West Virginia's investigation reportedly found evidence of young Roblox users being exposed to sexual and violent content, grooming, and predators, Reuters reported. Recently, child safety organizations accused Roblox of violating Federal Trade Commission regulations concerning false advertising, unfair conduct, and deceptive practices, calling for an investigation. Roblox has disputed these claims.

(Source: Mashable Tech)