Roblox introduces age verification for teens

Published: Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00 am

Roblox Implements Age Verification for Teen Users

Roblox, a popular online platform for children and teenagers, is introducing age verification for users aged 13 to 17. This new measure, announced as part of a broader initiative to enhance safety and privacy, requires teens to verify their age via a video selfie to access a new feature called "Trusted Connections."

The "Trusted Connections" feature allows teen users to communicate with each other via voice and chat without filters. Roblox will monitor all conversations for "critical harm," such as grooming. To add an adult aged 18 or older as a Trusted Connection, teens must connect in real life through a QR scan or contact importer.

Roblox utilizes an AI-powered age verification product, Persona, to estimate a user's age. If the technology incorrectly estimates a user's age, or cannot confirm their age, teens will be able to verify it by providing identification. In the future, parents will be able to give their verified consent to confirm a user's age.

The introduction of age verification and "Trusted Connections" follows previous safety enhancements by Roblox, including restrictions on direct messaging for younger users and the creation of parental control tools. These measures are in response to ongoing criticism regarding the platform's vulnerability to predators and inappropriate content. The company has faced legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit filed in 2023, alleging exposure of underage users to inappropriate content.

Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, stated that the new features aim to protect young users from being lured off the platform. The company believes that allowing teens to communicate more openly with trusted connections reduces the incentive to move interactions to other platforms where they may be exposed to greater risk.

Other features introduced include tools for users to manage notifications, screen time, and privacy. Users will have access to a do not disturb mode, daily time limits, and options to control who can see their online status. Parents will also be able to view their teen's connections, monitor platform usage, and receive notifications about financial transactions.

BNN's Perspective:

While the implementation of age verification and enhanced safety features is a positive step towards protecting young users, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for unintended consequences. Over-reliance on AI-powered age verification could lead to inaccuracies and potential exclusion of legitimate users. It's important for Roblox to continuously refine its systems and provide clear avenues for users to address any issues. The success of these measures will depend on their effectiveness in preventing harmful interactions while maintaining a positive and engaging experience for teens.

Keywords: Roblox, age verification, teens, Trusted Connections, safety, privacy, online safety, parental controls, Persona, video selfie, chat, voice chat, grooming, inappropriate content, Matt Kaufman, do not disturb, screen time, financial transactions

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