Users on Roblox will be prompted for facial age checks to unlock chatting with age-based limits.
Giant gaming platform Roblox has begun implementing age-based chatting restrictions, and has rolled out a required age check for all users on the platform as part of a move toward a safer gaming environment.
While chatting on Roblox was already strictly regulated, with many inappropriate keywords immediately censored, the platform continues to further tighten the security of user interactions.
The chatting feature can now only be unlocked by completing a facial age check within Roblox’s application. This system requires users to show their face on camera, which is used to estimate their age range. Roblox also states that any photos or videos taken will be deleted afterward.
Users who complete the age check are sorted into an age group and granted limited chat access. Under this system, users can only chat with others in age groups directly above or below their own.
Here are the chatting restrictions by age:
- Under 9 can chat with users under 13 (cannot chat with users 13 and older)
- 9 to 12 can chat with users under 16 (cannot chat with users 16 and older)
- 13 to 15 can chat with users 9 to 17 (cannot chat with users under 9 and 18+)
- 16 to 17 can chat with users 13 to 20 (cannot chat with users under 13 and 21+)
- 18 to 20 can chat with users 16 and older (cannot chat with users under 16)
- 21+ can chat with users 18 and older (cannot chat with users under 18)
Roblox also added additional security for the youngest age group of the bunch to interact with their peers, as users below 9 will require parental consent to unlock chatting. Meanwhile, those 13 and older can still unlock chatting with those beyond their age group using the Trusted Connections feature.
Roblox takes a step further for children’s safety
Roblox has been in the hot seat lately, with various parties calling for the platform to enforce a stricter and safer environment as a majority of its users are minors. Many are even asking for the platform to be banned entirely following cases of grooming and child sexual exploitation occurring across the platform.
This move, titled “A New Era of Safety” on its website, is one of the steps taken by Roblox to further protect its users.
“As the first large online gaming platform to require facial age checks for users of all ages to access chat, this implementation is our next step toward what we believe will be the gold standard for communication safety.
It enables age-based chat, which promotes a positive, age-appropriate experience for all users globally, and limits communication between adults and children younger than 16,” Roblox announced.
The platform also revealed that they are working for a way that parents and family members can remain in contact with their children on the platform despite age restrictions.
Age check and chatting restrictions initially launched in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands last December. In the next few weeks, the prompt that requires you to do age checks will land across all countries with chat available.
