Roblox is taking significant steps to enhance the safety and security of its platform by introducing facial recognition-based age verification for its users. Starting in the first week of December, users in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will be the first to experience this change, with a global rollout expected in early 2026. This initiative aims to make Roblox a safer environment for children by introducing stricter communication controls.
New Age Verification Measures
All Roblox users can now voluntarily engage in the Facial Age Estimation process to access communication features. The company emphasized that from December, age verification will become mandatory in selected regions, expanding worldwide wherever chat is available by January. The primary goal is to set a new safety standard by regulating chat access based on age and limiting interactions between minors and adults.
Industry-Wide Shifts and Challenges
The move by Roblox follows a broader trend in the industry, with platforms like Discord implementing similar measures due to new legislation. Despite potential challenges posed by facial recognition technology, Roblox is optimistic about its effectiveness compared to past endeavors reliant on self-reported ages. The company assures that once age verification is completed, users will be grouped into age-similar chat environments, enhancing age-appropriate interactions.
Roblox’s initiative promises to unlock age-appropriate experiences for its users by requiring an age check through facial recognition or ID verification.
This effort is part of a broader vision to improve the online experience for users of all ages. While no solution is flawless, Roblox is committed to providing a safer and more secure platform.