Roblox introduces new child safety features amid scrutiny
Roblox has implemented new security measures, such as special account types called “Roblox Kids” and “Roblox Select,” which offer features and content suitable for younger users. In an effort to improve user safety, the company has also made face age verification essential for chat access.
The changes follow increased global scrutiny and legal challenges over child protection. In the Philippines, authorities, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC), pushed for reforms, with the platform previously facing a potential ban before agreeing to strengthen safeguards.
Roblox introduces new safety measures
Roblox Kids accounts are designed for children ages 5 to 8. These accounts offer a strictly regulated setting with restricted material access. Restricted access to “Minimal” or “Mild” content, chat disabled by default, a multi-step review process for content clearance, and an interface designed with younger users in mind are some of the key characteristics. This category’s games must pass a rigorous examination to guarantee that they are appropriate for young players.
Roblox Select accounts are intended for users aged 9 to 15, offering greater flexibility while maintaining safeguards. Access to “Moderate” content, filtered chat only, communication restricted to trusted contacts and peers of comparable age, and increased parental restrictions are some of the key features. With limited bounds, this design minimises hazards while enabling older kids to experiment with more sophisticated games and social elements.
Mandatory age verification
In 2026, Roblox became the first gaming site to mandate age verification for chat access. The technology uses parental verification or facial recognition to estimate a user’s age. More than half of Roblox’s 144 million daily users have already embraced it, despite its flaws.
Age verification determines the type of account and content users can access. Children under 9 are placed in Roblox Kids accounts with limited content. Those aged 9 to 15 use Roblox Select accounts with moderate content and restricted communication features. Users aged 16 and above have standard accounts.
Players who do not complete age checks are limited to the lowest-rated content. By preventing younger users from playing games that are inappropriate for their age group, this technique aims to ensure more stringent control over the exposure of content.
Chat restrictions and parental controls
Chat is automatically disabled for kids with Roblox Kids accounts. Although parents have the option to authorise particular interactions, safety is given priority by default. However in Roblox Select accounts, chat is available but tightly controlled. Communication is limited to users of similar age, filtered through content moderation systems, and restricted to trusted friends approved by parents.
Parents now have broader tools to manage their child’s activity on Roblox. They can block specific games, monitor and manage chat interactions, and control access to certain features.
Philippines government pressure and cooperation
Philippine authorities’ push helped shape Roblox’s recent safety changes. The modifications were applauded by the CICC and the DICT. However, they emphasised that the emphasis must continue to be on quantifiable safeguards for children.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated, “These measures must translate into real, measurable protection, and we will continue to monitor their implementation closely. Online safety, especially for minors, is a shared responsibility. Through Digital Bayanihan, we call on platforms and parents alike to work with the government in ensuring a secure and trusted digital environment for every Filipino child.”
Parents in the Philippines can now report concerns through Hotline 1326. The system provides a direct channel for raising issues and adds another layer of oversight, ensuring that potential problems are addressed quickly.
Roblox was in danger of being banned in the Philippines in the beginning of 2026 due to worries over illicit activities that targeted children. To remedy safety loopholes, meetings with officials were arranged. Similar pressures have surfaced throughout Asia, with nations like Qatar, Turkey, Oman, and China already enforcing bans or limits, Indonesia mulling restrictions, and Russia voicing concerns about inappropriate exposure. These changes are a reflection of growing regulatory scrutiny around the world.
Mounting legal pressures in US
In recent years, Roblox has been the target of an increasing number of lawsuits, especially in the US. More than 20 federal charges alleging child safety violations and exposing of children to grooming and sexual content were filed in 2025 alone. Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit against the business in February 2026, claiming that the platform was dangerous for kids. Texas and Louisiana attorneys general also filed lawsuits, claiming insufficient safeguards. Roblox has refuted these allegations, claiming that company works with law enforcement and takes action against offenders.
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