A new study alleges that Roblox fails to adequately protect young users, with researchers accessing adult content and interacting with adults using accounts registered as young as five.
Conducted by Revealing Reality, the study highlights insufficient restrictions, particularly regarding text chat, which allows adults to contact children.
The research details instances where adult accounts interacted with accounts registered as young as five, and accounts listed as ten years old accessed sexually themed “roleplay” rooms. Researchers also bypassed moderation to obtain a child’s Snapchat username.
While Roblox has implemented safety measures, such as limiting voice chat and direct messages for under-13s, researchers found workarounds, including public text chat that facilitates off-platform communication. They also noted adult-oriented games not clearly labeled as such.
The study concluded:
- Lack of meaningful age verification.
- Access to sexualized environments for young users.
- Circumventable safety measures.
- Normalized private communication between all ages.
- Inaccurate content rating systems.
- Potential for predatory behavior through private spaces and off-platform communication.
UK politician Beeban Kidron described the findings as a “systematic failure to keep children safe.”
Roblox’s chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, responded by stating that “trust and safety are at the core of everything we do.” He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance safety, including adding over 40 new safety features in 2024, and emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a safe environment.”
