Roblox Introduces Age Verification for Unfiltered Chat Features

Roblox is set to implement new age-based communication features aimed at enhancing safety for its younger players. The platform’s updates will require users to verify their age through facial scans or identification to access unfiltered chat options. This change comes in response to growing concerns about the safety of children on the platform.

The revamped communication system will replace the existing “friends” feature with “connections” and “trusted connections.” To engage in unfiltered conversations, users must utilize Roblox’s newly introduced age verification tool. This process involves submitting a video selfie, which will be analyzed by the third-party identity verification company, Persona. According to Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer, this technology estimates a user’s age by comparing their selfie against a diverse dataset.

Despite these enhancements, concerns about privacy and security have surfaced. Roblox assures users that any uploaded data will be deleted within 30 days. For those unable to verify their age through the video selfie, an alternative method of ID verification is available. Kaufman noted that users aged 13 to 17 who complete the verification process will be permitted to connect with one another through the “trusted connections” feature. Users over 18 will have to connect via an in-person QR code or by importing contacts from the Roblox app.

Increasing Scrutiny and Global Trends

These new features come during a period of heightened scrutiny for online platforms, as cases of adults using Roblox to target children have increased. Additionally, there has been a rise in inappropriate user-generated content accessible to younger users. At the same time, governments around the world are advancing regulations on online age verification.

In the U.K., users of platforms such as Reddit and Bluesky must now verify their ages to access mature content, a requirement enacted to comply with the Online Safety Act. Approximately 40 percent of Americans currently live under age-verification laws, reflecting a broader trend in digital safety regulations. In Canada, a proposed law known as Bill C-63 aimed to enforce age-appropriate design features on social media platforms. However, the bill was halted when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued parliament on January 6, 2025.

Concerns Over Verification Technology

Despite the push for enhanced safety measures, experts express skepticism regarding the reliability of age-verification technology. Studies, including research from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), have indicated that such technology often lacks accuracy. Reporting from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has highlighted similar concerns, suggesting that the effectiveness of age verification remains a contentious issue.

As Roblox moves forward with these changes, the balance between user safety and privacy continues to be a significant challenge. By seeking to implement stricter age verification, the platform aims to protect its young users while navigating the complexities of data security and privacy rights.