Roblox's problematic moderation: Difference between revisions
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{{Incomplete}}<!--Message for any fellow editors: I have tried my best to filter this information to be PG-13, however, the information you WILL find regarding Roblox's negligence with their moderation is something that will require taking a break here or there. I personally am desensitized to a lot, but even I have been needing to pause my edits just to recharge. - JamesTDG-->Since [[Roblox]] launched in 2004, its moderation | {{Incomplete}} | ||
<!--Message for any fellow editors: I have tried my best to filter this information to be PG-13, however, the information you WILL find regarding Roblox's negligence with their moderation is something that will require taking a break here or there. I personally am desensitized to a lot, but even I have been needing to pause my edits just to recharge. - JamesTDG-->Since [[Roblox]] launched in 2004, both its automated and human aspects of moderation have been problematic for its consumers. Notable issues range from Roblox's obscene chat filter that limit communication on the platform,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum}}</ref>, inconsistent enforcement of guidelines, and the indirect encouragement of illegal behaviors on the platform intended for young audiences.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
No online platform is immune to child predators, especially those geared towards | No online platform is immune to child predators, especially those geared towards minor audiences, however, Roblox has had an extensive history regarding its poor handling of said individuals on the platform. The child predator problem has been exacerbated recently by a decision from the CEO David Baszucki to integrate dating features to the game,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baqery |first=Mohsen |date=Jul 30, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO Has Suggested the Worst Idea Possible |url=https://gamerant.com/roblox-ceo-worst-idea-dating-sim/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=GameRant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Norton |first=Brad |date=Jul 15, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO wants adults to use platform as a dating service |url=https://www.dexerto.com/roblox/roblox-ceo-wants-adults-to-use-platform-as-a-dating-service-3226769/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> despite at minimum 40% of the game's population being under 13 years old,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connor |first=Jak |date=Jul 29, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO wants to add an in-game dating feature, despite 40% of players being under 13yrs old |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/news/106712/roblox-ceo-wants-to-add-an-in-game-dating-feature-despite-40-of-players-being-under-13yrs-old/index.html |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=TweakTown}}</ref> and a further 16% users are between 13 and 16 years old.<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Nicholas |date=Nov 10, 2022 |title=Roblox Dev Arrested for Kidnapping: Who is Arnold Castillo (aka Jadon Shedletsky)? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/913144-roblox-dev-arrested-developer-who-is-arnold-castillo-jadon-shedletsky |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=Game Revolution}}</ref> | ||
==Problematic moderation<!--https://hindenburgresearch.com/roblox/ Mentions how there are several accounts that use the names of known pedophiles-->== | ==Problematic moderation<!--https://hindenburgresearch.com/roblox/ Mentions how there are several accounts that use the names of known pedophiles-->== | ||
Beyond a questionable chat filtering system, | Beyond a questionable chat filtering system, Roblox has historically underinvested in adequate moderation for its user base. The moderation team is excessively small compared to its competitors, a documented 100-200 moderation on-staff compared to [[Fortnite]]'s 1,000+ and [[Minecraft]]'s 500+ members on the moderation staff.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Sep 17, 2024 |title=Why is Roblox moderation so bad? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/why-is-roblox-moderation-so-bad/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Games Learning Society}}</ref><!--I don't feel so confident about this source, so if we can get something that feels more concrete, I would appreciate it, since this is some vital data.--> Combined with a lack of investment in adequate moderation tools,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Jul 24, 2024 |title=All Roblox Controversies Explained (2024) |url=https://screenrant.com/roblox-controversies-moderation-bad/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=ScreenRant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Apr 9, 2024 |title=Roblox VC moderation is terrible |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/comments/1c05qqs/roblox_vc_moderation_is_terrible/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/ROBLOXBans}}</ref> it has become responsible for an excess of younger audiences being harmed on the platform.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dinunzio |first=Caitlin |date=Dec 21, 2021 |title=Roblox Accused Of Being Unsafe For Children In Viral Video |url=https://screenrant.com/roblox-accusations-safety-children-people-make-games/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=ScreenRant}}</ref> | ||
Reported by Hindenburg Research, the platform outsources its moderation to call centers within Asia, many of which are paid poorly and often lack the literacy to adequately handle cases,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=Oct 8, 2024 |title=Roblox: Inflated Key Metrics For Wall Street And A Pedophile Hellscape For Kids |url=https://hindenburgresearch.com/roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=Hindenburg Research}}</ref> and their systems required multiple offenses to even incite a temporary ban. The former moderator they interviewed cited their poor resources as a key issue as to why he would refuse to let any kids he knew to play the game. | Reported by Hindenburg Research, the platform outsources its moderation to call centers within Asia, many of which are paid poorly and often lack the literacy to adequately handle cases,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=Oct 8, 2024 |title=Roblox: Inflated Key Metrics For Wall Street And A Pedophile Hellscape For Kids |url=https://hindenburgresearch.com/roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=Hindenburg Research}}</ref> and their systems required multiple offenses to even incite a temporary ban. The former moderator they interviewed cited their poor resources as a key issue as to why he would refuse to let any kids he knew to play the game. | ||
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===Roblox's response=== | ===Roblox's response=== | ||
So far, | So far, Roblox has done the following regarding its child predator problem: | ||
* Threatened the content creator Schlep with litigation over vigilantism,<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Huang |first=Marcus |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox YouTuber Battles Child Predators {{!}} Accounts Terminated Amid Backlash |url=https://leveluptalk.com/news/roblox-youtuber-fights-child-predators-banned/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Level Up Talk}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=Aug 7, 2025 |title=How Roblox Partners With Law Enforcement |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/how-roblox-partners-law-enforcement |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Blog}}</ref> despite cited neglect from the moderation by the user.<ref name=":02" /> | * Threatened the content creator Schlep with litigation over vigilantism,<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Huang |first=Marcus |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox YouTuber Battles Child Predators {{!}} Accounts Terminated Amid Backlash |url=https://leveluptalk.com/news/roblox-youtuber-fights-child-predators-banned/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Level Up Talk}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=Aug 7, 2025 |title=How Roblox Partners With Law Enforcement |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/how-roblox-partners-law-enforcement |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Blog}}</ref> despite cited neglect from the moderation by the user.<ref name=":02" /> | ||
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=== "Condo" games === | === "Condo" games === | ||
The platform additionally hosts thousands of "condo" games,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dorn |first=James |date=Jul 24, 2025 |title=What is a Condo Game on Roblox? |url=https://expertbeacon.com/what-is-a-condo-on-roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Expert Beacon}}</ref> | The platform additionally hosts thousands of "condo" games,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dorn |first=James |date=Jul 24, 2025 |title=What is a Condo Game on Roblox? |url=https://expertbeacon.com/what-is-a-condo-on-roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Expert Beacon}}</ref> to allow platform users to simulate sexual activities. Despite these games being directly in violation of Roblox's policies:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content}}</ref><blockquote>"Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox"</blockquote>The platform has been slow to handle these games being frequently uploaded, especially since these games are frequently reuploaded on alternate accounts en-masse.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McGuinness |first=Devan |date=Feb 16, 2022 |title=Roblox “Condo” Strip Clubs Still Populating Platform — What to Know |url=https://www.fatherly.com/news/roblox-strip-clubs-problem-safety |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Fatherly}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has notoriously collaborated with TheOfficialTeddy, known for publishing "condo" games to the platform, even including one of his notorious titles within 2025's The Hatch event, despite his long history of frequent bans from the platform.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Ricablanca |first=Celsos |date=Jul 3, 2025 |title=Why did Roblox ban TheOfficialTeddy? Here’s what we know |url=https://esports.gg/news/roblox/why-did-roblox-ban-theofficialteddy-heres-what-we-know/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=eSports.gg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Tweet from RoCatchers |url=https://xcancel.com/RoCatchers/status/1934826134476087759 |url-status=live |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=x (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref> The platform reversed Teddy's addition within the event and re-banned the individual only after significant backlash from players and content creators participating in the event.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Tweet from Roblox |url=https://x.com/Roblox/status/1939844614997033165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1939844614997033165%7Ctwgr%5E78a1e8a53dd64d2c86722a959bc5c71bd6b0f0c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fesports.gg%2Fnews%2Froblox%2Fwhy-did-roblox-ban-theofficialteddy-heres-what-we-know%2F |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=x (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cripe |first=Michael |date=Jul 3, 2025 |title=Roblox #BoycottTheHatch Controversy Explained |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/roblox-boycottthehatch-controversy-explained |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> | ||
[[File:AdultRobloxGame.png|alt=A picture of a roblox game, with the name "Escape to Epstein Island"|thumb|An example of one of the mature games on Roblox that can be played by underage accounts.]] | [[File:AdultRobloxGame.png|alt=A picture of a roblox game, with the name "Escape to Epstein Island"|thumb|An example of one of the mature games on Roblox that can be played by underage accounts.]] | ||
A sibling to the "condo" genre have been titles named after individuals known for sex trafficking, such as Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jeffrey Epstein, these games were able to be easily accessed by underage users.<ref name=":5" /> | A sibling to the "condo" genre have been titles named after individuals known for sex trafficking, such as Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jeffrey Epstein, these games were able to be easily accessed by underage users.<ref name=":5" /> | ||
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==== CSAM communities ==== | ==== CSAM communities ==== | ||
Some Roblox experiences have large communities that trade in child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and allow underage players to access them.<ref name=":5" /> Hindenburg reported that there are at least 38 of these groups which solicit CSAM as of 2024.<ref name=":5" /> One such group evaded moderation for at least 15 years by disguising itself as “''[ Content Deleted 19208 ]''”, with ID info stating that it formed in 2009.<ref name=":5" /> Moderation For Dummies reported the existence of at least 12,400 accounts which dabble in various levels of CSAM on the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |date=Sep 2, 2024 |title=Tweet from Mod For Dummies |url=https://xcancel.com/ModForDummies/status/1830646065948958861 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=X (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref> | |||
==Lawsuits | ==Lawsuits and legal controversies<!--https://www.anapolweiss.com/blog/roblox-enabled-child-exploitationnow-its-trying-to-dodge-accountability-in-court-we-wont-let-that-happen/ https://www.gamethemedia.com/the-crime-history-of-roblox-->== | ||
{{Incomplete section}} | {{Incomplete section}} | ||
Litigation has been frequent for the platform regarding its neglect to handle child predators for several years now. The following is a brief list from over 300 unique legal incidents<ref>{{Cite news |last=Musumeci |first=Natalie |date=Aug 13, 2025 |title=Roblox accused of being a 'hunting ground' for child predators as legal firestorm against gaming giant intensifies |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-online-gaming-giant-child-predator-allegations-lawsuits-2025-8?op=1 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> regarding Roblox's moderation | Litigation has been frequent for the platform regarding its neglect to handle child predators for several years now. The following is a brief list from over 300 unique legal incidents<ref>{{Cite news |last=Musumeci |first=Natalie |date=Aug 13, 2025 |title=Roblox accused of being a 'hunting ground' for child predators as legal firestorm against gaming giant intensifies |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-online-gaming-giant-child-predator-allegations-lawsuits-2025-8?op=1 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> regarding Roblox's moderation. | ||
<!--Trying to get scaffolding done here, first time in a while we got a bunch of litigation for an ongoing problem. Going to take more labor to summarize each case adequately.--> | |||
===Arnold Castillo ( | ===Arnold Castillo (February to July 2022)=== | ||
In February 2022, the lead game developer for the game ''Sonic Eclipse Online'' on | In February 2022, the lead game developer for the game ''Sonic Eclipse Online'' on Roblox, Arnold Castillo, allegedly used the platform to groom an anonymous minor. Months later in May, he allegedly coerced the minor into crossing state lines to his property via the service [[Uber]].<ref name=":32" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 29, 2022 |title=New Jersey Man Federally Charged with Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/new-jersey-man-federally-charged-enticement-minor-and-interstate-transportation-minor |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=DOJ - Southern District of Indiana Attorney's Office}}</ref> Days after the abduction, the individual was detained and put on trial, and received 2 life sentences and $500k in fines. This occurred after Castillo's extensive history of violating the platform's Terms of Service for the purposes of grooming minors. Both his community and staff released 2 documents<ref>{{Cite web |title=The DoctorRofatnik Archives |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IBLEag66elaVPs11PimO2t2M0ikCCb67ti_RNYB0MxQ/edit?tab=t.0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/the-doctor-rofatnik-archives/mode/2up |archive-date=2020-10-26 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Google Docs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Response to your claims |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a6NozfqgKOLT1882d9xy1QuJzW0TWJXuorvincSI4z8/edit?tab=t.0 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Google Docs}}</ref> covering his harmful behavior on both Roblox and additionally [[Discord]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |date=Oct 31, 2022 |title=The Roblox Developer Arrested By The FBI |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdDfdlLuAgA |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] - Ruben Sim}}</ref> Roblox's moderation refused to directly handle the situation, despite the extensive reports, and his arrest compiled with the charges he faced were only successful due to datamining efforts via vigilantes on the platform.<ref name=":42" /> | ||
===''State v. Darius Matylewich ( | ===''State v. Darius Matylewich (September 2023)''=== | ||
In 2023, Darius Matylewich used a combination of Roblox and other social media services to abduct an 11-year-old girl to his property across state lines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 2025 |title=Bear Man Gets 20 Years In 11-Year-Old’s Abduction |url=https://firststateupdate.com/2025/07/bear-man-gets-20-years-in-11-year-olds-abduction/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=1st State Update}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slocum |first=Jack |date=Jul 8, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Gets Prison Time For Coercing, Kidnapping Wayne 11-Year-Old |url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/wayne/delaware-man-gets-prison-time-coercing-kidnapping-wayne-11-year-old |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Patch}}</ref> 2 years later, on July 2, 2025, Matylewich was charged with 20 years of incarceration for the coercion and enticement of a minor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 7, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Sentenced To 240 Months For Coercing 11-Year-Old New Jersey Resident To Travel To Delaware For Sexual Activity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/delaware-man-sentenced-240-months-coercing-11-year-old-new-jersey-resident-travel |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |website=U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Delaware}}</ref> During the entire incident, Roblox | In 2023, Darius Matylewich allegedly used a combination of Roblox and other social media services to abduct an 11-year-old girl to his property across state lines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 2025 |title=Bear Man Gets 20 Years In 11-Year-Old’s Abduction |url=https://firststateupdate.com/2025/07/bear-man-gets-20-years-in-11-year-olds-abduction/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=1st State Update}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slocum |first=Jack |date=Jul 8, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Gets Prison Time For Coercing, Kidnapping Wayne 11-Year-Old |url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/wayne/delaware-man-gets-prison-time-coercing-kidnapping-wayne-11-year-old |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Patch}}</ref> 2 years later, on July 2, 2025, Matylewich was charged with 20 years of incarceration for the coercion and enticement of a minor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 7, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Sentenced To 240 Months For Coercing 11-Year-Old New Jersey Resident To Travel To Delaware For Sexual Activity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/delaware-man-sentenced-240-months-coercing-11-year-old-new-jersey-resident-travel |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |website=U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Delaware}}</ref> During the entire incident, Roblox did not halt Matylewich's activities on the platform. | ||
===''State v. Franciou Romelus ( | ===''State v. Franciou Romelus (April 2024)''=== | ||
Francious Romelus | Francious Romelus allegedly stalked a 14-year-old girl via Roblox in 2023 and attempted to abduct her on April 12, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arradondo |first=Briona |date=Apr 24, 2024 |title=Man arrested for stalking, attacking 14-year-old girl he met online: TPD |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/man-arrested-for-stalking-attacking-14-year-old-girl-he-met-online-tpd |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Fox 13 News}}</ref> Romelus was charged with aggravated stalking, transmission of harmful material to a minor, among other charges, and received a 30-year sentence. <!--https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/64952042744f894966d02a80 | ||
Need to figure out how to properly cite a legal document like this using autocite | Need to figure out how to properly cite a legal document like this using autocite | ||
Found out about the listed charges from here: | Found out about the listed charges from here: | ||
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWmVi7M1lm/--> | https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWmVi7M1lm/-->Roblox moderation again did not prevent, halt, or report the individual to authorities at that time. | ||
===''U.S. v. Daniel Aravena Oliva'' ( | ===''U.S. v. Daniel Aravena Oliva'' (August 2024)=== | ||
In 2024, Daniel Aravena Oliva groomed a 13-year-old girl on the platform across international borders for several months. After flying to the US from Chile, the individual was arrested before he could sexually assault the minor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 23, 2024 |title=Chilean man arrested in connection with exploitation of 14-year-old girl, Glendora police say |url=https://abc7.com/post/chilean-man-arrested-connection-exploitation-14-year-old-girl-glendora-police-say/15222531/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=ABC 7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Toohey |first=Grace |date=Aug 22, 2024 |title=Chilean man groomed 13-year-old girl he met on Roblox before flying to U.S. to meet her, police say |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-22/chilean-arrest-roblox-child-exploitation |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> | In 2024, Daniel Aravena Oliva allegedly groomed a 13-year-old girl on the platform across international borders for several months. After flying to the US from Chile, the individual was arrested before he could sexually assault the minor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 23, 2024 |title=Chilean man arrested in connection with exploitation of 14-year-old girl, Glendora police say |url=https://abc7.com/post/chilean-man-arrested-connection-exploitation-14-year-old-girl-glendora-police-say/15222531/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=ABC 7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Toohey |first=Grace |date=Aug 22, 2024 |title=Chilean man groomed 13-year-old girl he met on Roblox before flying to U.S. to meet her, police say |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-22/chilean-arrest-roblox-child-exploitation |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> | ||
===''State v. Christian Scribben'' ( | ===''State v. Christian Scribben'' (February to April 2025)=== | ||
Christian Scribben on multiple accounts used Roblox to coerce minors | Christian Scribben allegedly, on multiple accounts, used Roblox to coerce minors to produce CSAM. Scribben was arrested in April and tried as an adult.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 2025 |title=Ocala teen jailed for exploiting children he met on video game |url=https://www.ocala-news.com/2025/05/02/ocala-teen-jailed-for-exploiting-children-he-met-on-video-game/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Ocala News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Brandon |date=Apr 30, 2025 |title=17-year-old arrested in Marion County, accused of sexually exploiting children on Roblox |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/04/30/17-year-old-arrested-in-marion-county-accused-of-sexually-exploiting-children-on-roblox/ |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Click Orlando}}</ref> On the day of Scribben's arrest, the Florida AG James Uthmeier subpoenaed Roblox regarding its marketing material, citing an excess of reports of children being exposed to “graphic or harmful material” while using the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uthmeier |first=James |date=Apr 16, 2025 |title=Attorney General James Uthmeier Fights to Protect Children Online; Subpoenas Roblox for Child-Protection Policies and Procedures |url=https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-fights-protect-children-online-subpoenas-roblox-child |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |website=Florida Office of Attorney General}}</ref> | ||
===''State v. Matthew Naval'' ( | ===''State v. Matthew Naval'' (April to June 2025)=== | ||
<!--https://www.yahoo.com/news/10-old-california-girl-made-133027400.html--> | |||
Matthew Macatuno Naval allegedly abducted a 10-year-old girl soon after meeting her on Roblox,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Girl was kidnapped by man who messaged her on Roblox, officials say. 10-year-old found safe |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-16/girl-10-allegedly-kidnapped-by-man-who-messaged-on-roblox |website=Los Angeles Times |date=2025-04-16 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |first=Kaitlyn |last=Huamani |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819041136/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-16/girl-10-allegedly-kidnapped-by-man-who-messaged-on-roblox |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref><ref name=":46">{{Cite web |title=California man accused of kidnapping 10-year-old he met on Roblox |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/california-man-accused-of-kidnapping-10-year-old-he-met-on-roblox/3807102/ |website=NBC San Diego |date=2025-04-17 |first=Viola |last=Flowers |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819041723/https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/california-man-accused-of-kidnapping-10-year-old-he-met-on-roblox/3807102/ |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{Cite web |title=Elk Grove man accused of kidnapping missing child after meeting her on Roblox |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/missing-kern-county-child-found-elk-grove-suspected-kidnapper/103-53c26187-7d46-4b43-964a-1010c1bf07c5 |website=ABC 10 |date=2025-04-14 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819043626/https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/missing-kern-county-child-found-elk-grove-suspected-kidnapper/103-53c26187-7d46-4b43-964a-1010c1bf07c5 |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> and he was charged with one count of kidnapping, one count of kidnapping a child under 14 to commit sex acts, two counts of committing sex acts with a child under 14, one count of showing sexual content to a minor, and two counts related to contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex act.<ref name=":48">{{Cite web |title=Man accused of kidnapping Taft girl held on $1.35M bail |url=https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/man-accused-of-kidnapping-taft-girl-charged-with-7-felonies/ |website=KGET.com |date=2025-04-18 |first1=Jason |last2=Kotowski |first2=Jenny |last2=Huh |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819043054/https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/man-accused-of-kidnapping-taft-girl-charged-with-7-felonies/ |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> According to police, the survivor was found in a car at an Elk Grove strip mall over 250 miles from her home in Taft, and police returned her to her family.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> Representing the severity of the charges against Naval, his bail was listed at about US$1.35 million.<ref name =":48" /> | |||
<!--To be filled in more later, this is a crazy rabbit hole, check sources in above comment if you want to fill it in yourself.--> | |||
===''Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al'' (July 2025)=== | |||
The suit Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al, filed on July 9, 2025, is an ongoing product liability suit where the plaintiffs are two anonymous individuals and the defendants are Roblox Corporation and [[Discord|Discord, Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/58931825/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al |website=PacerMonitor |date=2025-07-09 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819035355/https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/58931825/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> The main complaints in the original file were: | |||
<blockquote> | |||
(1) Fraudulent Concealment and Misrepresentations<br /> | |||
(2) Negligent Misrepresentation<br /> | |||
(3) Negligence — General<br /> | |||
(4) Negligence — Failure to Warn<br /> | |||
(5) Negligence — Unreasonable Design<br /> | |||
(6) Negligent Undertaking<br /> | |||
(7) Strict Liability — Design Defect<br /> | |||
(8) Strict Liability — Failure to Warn<ref>{{Cite web |title=Case 3:25-cv-05753-LB |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/filings/DWCGRGFI/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al__candce-25-05753__0001.0.pdf |website=Pacermonitor |date=2025-07-09 |first=Paige |last=Boldt |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819035429/https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/filings/DWCGRGFI/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al__candce-25-05753__0001.0.pdf |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> | |||
</blockquote> | |||
<!--Due to a lack of news sources covering this lawsuit, I cannot access any of the necessary information regarding this case. The site which mentioned this lawsuit was too brief about it.--> | |||
===Florida Attorney-General Subpoena & Multi-State Scrutiny (July 2025)<!--https://www.gamethemedia.com/the-crime-history-of-roblox Following Naval’s kidnapping and Doe litigation, Florida AG James Uthmeier demanded Roblox hand over data on age-verification, moderation logs and abuse reports , warning of legal action if safety promises prove hollow . Several states now coordinate on social-media harms to minors. Why it matters: Regulatory investigations may impose binding safety mandates faster than courts.-->=== | ===Florida Attorney-General Subpoena & Multi-State Scrutiny (July 2025)<!--https://www.gamethemedia.com/the-crime-history-of-roblox Following Naval’s kidnapping and Doe litigation, Florida AG James Uthmeier demanded Roblox hand over data on age-verification, moderation logs and abuse reports , warning of legal action if safety promises prove hollow . Several states now coordinate on social-media harms to minors. Why it matters: Regulatory investigations may impose binding safety mandates faster than courts.-->=== | ||
==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
Users such as Schlep | Users such as Schlep turn to vigilantism due to the negligence of the platform's own moderation teams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In response to Roblox's submission of a cease and desist notice to Schlep,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=Schlep on X: "Every account I've ever made on Roblox has been terminated... |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954101415564951680 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":02" /> the platform was condemned by the community and California 17<sup>th</sup> Congressional District Representative Ro Khanna,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horetski |first=Dylan |date=Aug 13, 2025 |title=Congressman steps in after Roblox threatens to sue & bans “predator hunter” YouTuber Schlep |url=https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/congressman-steps-in-after-roblox-threatens-to-sue-bans-predator-hunter-youtuber-schlep-3237759/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> and consumers promoted a hashtag #FreeSchlep in an attempt to get Schlep's account reinstated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Schlep on X: "wow its trending again. 3 days in a row now I was lowkey ... |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954982451350008298 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref> The movement also received support from popular Roblox YouTuber KreekCraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=KreekCraft on X: "Roblox Schlep situation" / X |url=https://x.com/KreekCraft/status/1954215182311297365 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Roblox Banned Schlep - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKOYXcYmxow |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Furthermore, Roblox outlawed vigilante groups on their platform,<ref name=":12" /> causing vigilante group RoCatchers, a predator-catching group, to disband.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=RoCatchers on X: "We sadly have to disband what we're doing on here. ... |url=https://x.com/RoCatchers/status/1954221211581301201 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref> | ||
The platform's poor moderation choices also led to the formation of the subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/ r/ROBLOXbans], which has extensive posts covering the platform both ignoring mature content and excessively punishing users over minor or absurd infractions. | The platform's poor moderation choices also led to the formation of the subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/ r/ROBLOXbans], which has extensive posts covering the platform both ignoring mature content and excessively punishing users over minor or absurd infractions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=r/ROBLOXBans |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/wiki/index/ |website=[[Reddit]] |access-date=2025-08-18 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424112358/https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/wiki/index/ |archive-date=2025-04-24}}</ref> | ||
==Legacy | ==Legacy== | ||
{{Incomplete section}} | {{Incomplete section}} | ||
The negligence shown by | <!-- Negligence has caused legal changes that will harm consumers --> | ||
The negligence shown by Roblox and the platform's moderation has been a key point within various forms of legislation to require identification-based verification on online services, e.g. the [[Online Safety Act|Online Safety Act of 2023]] within the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Safety Act 2023 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents/enacted |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818200028/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents |archive-date=2025-08-18}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Roblox]] | [[Category:Roblox]] | ||