Roblox Makes Age Verification Mandatory to Use Chat

Roblox is introducing mandatory age checks for every user who wants to access its chat feature. Starting in early January, users around the world will need to verify their age before they can chat with others.

The process will involve a facial age estimation tool made by a company called Persona — users take a selfie through the app, and the system estimates their age. If people don’t want to use facial age checks or if the estimate is wrong, they can instead verify their age using an ID. According to Roblox, any images or video used in the age-check process will be deleted after processing. TechCrunch+2Roblox+2

Once verified, users will be assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, or 21+. Based on these age groups, chat access will be limited so users can only talk to others in the same or similar age groups. TechCrunch+2Roblox+2

For very young users, chat will default to off in “experiences” (games) for those under nine — unless a parent gives permission after the age check. For those under 13, chat outside of games will also remain restricted. ir.roblox.com

Roblox says this move is part of a broader push to improve safety on the platform. With the new system, they aim to reduce contact between minors and unknown adults and encourage more age-appropriate interaction. TechCrunch+2The Guardian+2

Additionally, Roblox is launching a new Safety Center for parents, with tools to control who kids talk to and how they communicate. Trusted Connections (people you know in real life) will still be able to chat across some age boundaries, but only after age checks. Roblox

Roblox says this requirement is a “gold standard” for safety in gaming, and hopes other platforms will adopt similar systems