Roblox addresses lawsuit from Los Angeles County claiming it is "neglecting to safeguard children against predatory behavior"

Roblox is firmly denying accusations following a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, which alleges the platform neglects child safety by allowing harmful interactions. The lawsuit from Los Angeles County accuses Roblox of compromising child safety despite being marketed as a secure virtual environment. The complaint suggests the platform is riddled with inappropriate content and exploitation, prioritizing profits over child protection.

The allegation critiques Roblox for inadequate age verification and content moderation, prompting the county to launch legal proceedings for allegedly misleading practices that put children at risk. Hilda L. Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board, stated the legal action aims to safeguard minors from online threats. Solis emphasized Roblox's duty to protect children, criticizing the platform for becoming a haven for exploitative behavior.

The legal complaint asserts that Roblox's structural and safety oversights allow predators to easily approach children, posing as peers to gain their trust and influence. County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison emphasized the grave consequences of such safety gaps, calling for immediate action to prevent further harm. The suit seeks both legal restrictions on Roblox and civil penalties for daily violations.

In response, Roblox released a statement, refuting the lawsuit's claims and emphasizing the company's dedication to user safety. The company highlighted its ongoing enhancements to safety features, which include strict monitoring and preventing image sharing in chats to deter misuse. Roblox reiterated its commitment to child protection, stating that they actively collaborate with law enforcement and take action against violators. The platform also directed parents to their Safety Center for more information on online safety measures.

This lawsuit echoes similar actions internationally, such as demands from the Australian government for Roblox to address child safety issues on its platform.