Roblox's disclosed user figures will subject it to further European Union regulations aimed at overseeing social networks

Roblox is on the brink of being labeled as a very large online platform (VLOP) by European law, possibly making it the first game to earn this classification.

Image credit: Roblox

According to Gamesmarket, Thomas Regnier, from the EU Commission for Tech Sovereignty, has indicated that this status is "definitely possible" following Roblox's announcement of surpassing the Digital Services Act (DSA) user limit.

A service is termed as VLOPs or very large online search engines (VLOSEs) if it exceeds 45 million monthly European users.

Earlier this year, Roblox stated in a report that its monthly active user average in Europe was 48 million for the six-month period ending February 13, 2026.

In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, a Roblox representative said, "The recent MAU figures illustrate our expanding user base within the EU. We are eager to work positively with the European Commission to maintain a secure and transparent platform for our EU community."

Regnier remarked, "While predictions about future classifications are not our routine, Roblox and ChatGPT have reported user numbers above the DSA threshold. Thus, future designation is possible and under review."

If recognized as a VLOP, Roblox must adhere to DSA requirements, which address illegal content risks and effects on rights, security, and welfare.

Upon receiving a VLOP or VLOSE designation, a platform has four months to meet DSA regulations, and the decision is annulled if the numbers fall below the threshold for a year.

Roblox, as a VLOP, would need to assess systemic risks from its services, such as illegal content and welfare concerns, and report these to the EU Commission.

Per the EU Commission guidelines, Roblox may need to modify their service designs or recommender systems to mitigate identified risks, possibly reallocating internal resources to better manage these risks.

Additionally, Roblox would be required to:

Set up a compliance team to manage identified risks
Undergo annual audits by an independent entity and take necessary actions from auditor feedback
Provide data access to the Commission and relevant authorities for compliance monitoring
Enable vetted researchers access to platform data for systemic risk analysis
Offer a non-profile-based option in recommender systems
Maintain a public record of advertisements

The European Union implemented the DSA and Digital Markets Act in October 2022, and both apply EU-wide, affecting foreign companies too.

Entities failing to comply with DSA directives may incur penalties, with fines reaching up to 6% of their worldwide revenue for the most severe violations.