The online gaming platform Roblox announced a major initiative to strengthen the security of its millions of users. To access chat features, all players will soon have to undergo a age verification. This process will go through a selfie video analyzed by technology facial estimation. This radical decision comes in a context of growing pressure on the company, accused of not sufficiently protecting its very young audience, which constitutes 40% of its users.
How will this new verification system work?
Concretely, the user will have to use the camera of their device to carry out a scan facial directly from the Roblox app. Data processing will be entrusted to the specialized service provider Persona who, according to the platform’s promises, will delete the images and videos immediately after analysis to guarantee the confidentiality.
Once verified, each player will be assigned a slice ofage specific, like 9-12 year olds or 13-15 year olds. Deployment will begin voluntarily, then become mandatory at the beginning of December in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands, before a global generalization at the beginning of January where chat is available.
What will be the direct impact on discussions between players?
The main objective is to compartmentalize conversations to protect the youngest. Exchanges will only be authorized between users belonging to similar age groups. For example, a 12-year-old player will be able to chat with people 15 or younger, but will automatically be blocked from conversations with adults. For those under 9 years old, the chat will even be disabled by default, requiring explicit parental consent after verification.
However, Roblox provides exceptions for “ trusted connections » (Trusted Connections) for users aged 13 and over. This system will allow members of the same family or close friends to communicate freely, even if they belong to different age groups. The company will also extend this verification to links to social networks present on profiles.
Why is Roblox taking such a drastic step now?
This decision is not a coincidence. The platform faces an avalanche of criticism and legal proceedings in the United States. Attorneys general in several states, including Texas and Florida, have launched investigations, accusing the company of being a “ breeding ground for predators » and deceive parents about the real risks. A devastating report from the investment fund Hindenburg even called Roblox “ pedophile hell ».
With this measure, which the company describes as new “ gold standard » for the industry, Roblox is trying to regain control of its reputation. The company hopes to set an example in terms of safety for children and calm the media and legal storm that has shaken it for several months.
