Roblox to launch new child safety protocols next month

Roblox is introducing new policies to give parents more control over their children's activities on the platform. A new type of parental account will allow guardians to monitor their kids' online activities and friends. Users under age 13 will need parent permission to access certain features, and those aged 9 and younger will require permission for game modes with moderate violence or crude humor. These changes are set to take effect next month. Concerns about safety for young players have been a recurring issue for Roblox, including a lawsuit claiming exploitation of a minor in 2022. Sony was hesitant to host the game on its hardware due to concerns about inappropriate sexual content, and it was banned in Turkey for the same reason. An investigation by Bloomberg Businessweek found that at least two dozen people have been arrested in the US since 2018 for abusing or abducting child victims they met on Roblox. Hindenburg Research released an exposé about predatory behavior and misleading financial activity at Roblox, although the source has a questionable reputation. The new policies aim to address these concerns and ensure a safer environment for young players.