Roblox: Difference between revisions
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==Consumer impact summary== | ==Consumer impact summary== | ||
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |website=Roblox Support}}</ref><!-- Not interested in fishing up this just yet, focused too much energy on the problematic moderation section. - JamesTDG --> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.<!-- Reminds me a LOT about the process to can one's own gym membership... --> | *'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |website=Roblox Support}}</ref><!-- Not interested in fishing up this just yet, focused too much energy on the problematic moderation section. - JamesTDG --> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.<!-- Reminds me a LOT about the process to can one's own gym membership... --> | ||
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status= | *'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref> | ||
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref> | *'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref> | ||
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them. | *'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them. | ||
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===Accusations of child labor=== | ===Accusations of child labor=== | ||
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/</ref> | In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |website=reuters.com}}</ref> | ||
On the 24th of August 2025 the youtube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938. | On the 24th of August 2025 the youtube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938. | ||
===Blocking Linux users=== | ===Blocking Linux users=== | ||
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |title= Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |title= | In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum}}</ref> | ||
===Problematic moderation<!-- Consider merging the main article for this topic with this article. -->=== | ===Problematic moderation<!-- Consider merging the main article for this topic with this article. -->=== | ||
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}} | {{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}} | ||
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<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> including numbers.<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> | Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |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> including numbers.<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> | ||
In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref><!-- Good to check for a list, but not a good ref for the article: | In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref><!-- Good to check for a list, but not a good ref for the article: | ||
https://www.gamethemedia.com/the-crime-history-of-roblox --> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{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><!-- <- Add more citations please, The only citation is a youtube video --> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<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> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<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> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><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> | https://www.gamethemedia.com/the-crime-history-of-roblox --> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{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><!-- <- Add more citations please, The only citation is a youtube video --> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<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> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<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> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><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> | ||
According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref> | According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs}}</ref><!-- More citation please!... Only having stuff from ruben sim is sketchy --> | ||
===Condo Games=== | ===Condo Games=== | ||
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= | "Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation. | ||
However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed. | However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed. | ||
===Predator-hunting groups=== | ===Predator-hunting groups=== | ||
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status= | In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=X}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children. | ||
===Age checks to chat=== | ===Age checks to chat=== | ||
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.''</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox"<ref>https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155</ref> | In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.''</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> | ||
On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally<ref>https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.''</ref> | On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.''</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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