Roblox implements worldwide age verification for users who wish to access its chat feature

After launching optional age verification in November to curb interactions between minors and adults, Roblox is now enforcing mandatory age verification for all users to utilize the chat feature.

Currently, players in regions such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands must verify their age to use chat functionality. This requirement is now expanding to include all other areas with available chat, like the United States. Specific details on interactions between verified and unverified users remain unclear.

Roblox asserts it is pioneering among major online gaming platforms by mandating age verification for chat access, emphasizing its dedication to user safety by fostering age-suitable communication and restricting adult-minor interactions.

Once verification is complete, users are categorized into one of six age brackets: under 7, 9-12, 13-15, 15-17, 18-20, and 21+. Communication is generally confined to adjacent age groups, restricting, for instance, a nine-year-old from engaging with someone older than thirteen, while a sixteen-year-old can chat with peers aged 13 to 20.

Roblox pledges to routinely assess user conduct, verifying that users align with their designated age category. Those incorrectly placed must undergo the age verification process again.

In the aforementioned countries, more than half of daily active users have successfully completed the "private, fast, and secure" age verification via Persona, which promptly deletes any personal data or images post-processing.

Despite age verification being optional, access to chat features is contingent upon completion.

"Our dedication to user safety prioritizes optimal protection levels," stated Matt Kaufman, Roblox's chief safety officer. "By creating proactive, age-based barriers, we empower users to engage safely and appropriately."

Throughout the past year, Roblox has introduced several safety updates, including the addition of a "sensitive issues" content warning. In November 2024, new measures were implemented, preventing direct messaging for those under 13 and regulating their in-game communication capabilities.