Following multiple child safety lawsuits, Roblox is globally rolling out mandatory age verification for users who want to access chat and other communication features on the platform.
Intended to improve age-based security controls, age verification on Roblox follows recent attempts in some markets.
Part of the new system is that users are required to verify their age by allowing the Roblox app to access their device’s camera and complete a facial verification process guided by on-screen instructions.
All photos and videos taken during the check will be deleted once the verification is complete. The verification process is handled by a third-party provider, Persona, which also deletes user data after processing, Roblox claimed.
While age verification is optional for general gameplay, the company clarified that it is now mandatory to access chat and communication tools.
At what age does Roblox age verification apply to users?
Users 13 years of age and older may choose to verify their age using an official ID instead of face verification. If the system incorrectly estimates a user’s age, Roblox allows appeals through alternative verification methods, including ID check or parental controls.
After successful verification, users get access to age-based communication, and even that comes with limited interactions within similar age groups.
Roblox has divided users into six groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20 and 21 plus. That being said, how much you can chat on Roblox ultimately depends on your age.
Players can communicate with others in their own group and adjacent age groups. Chat will be disabled by default for children under nine unless parental consent is offered after verification.
The company says the new method is more accurate at determining users’ ages than relying solely on self-reported dates of birth during account creation.
