Roblox Under Fire in Australia and US Amid Child Safety Concerns

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The popular online gaming platform Roblox is facing intense scrutiny in Australia and the United States due to serious concerns about child safety. Critics argue that the platform, which blends gaming with social interaction, exposes young users to risks such as virtual sexual harassment, violence, and exploitation. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and legal action against the company.

Key Takeaways

Roblox is not included in Australia’s upcoming ban on social media for under-16s, sparking criticism from MPs and experts.
Texas has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the platform of concealing safety risks from parents.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed by parents alleging child sexual exploitation on the platform.
Roblox maintains it has robust safety protocols and is committed to protecting its users.

Australia’s Social Media Ban and Roblox’s Exclusion

Australia is set to implement a social media ban for individuals under 16, which will affect platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Kick starting December 10. However, Roblox has been excluded from this ban, a decision that independent MP Monique Ryan has deemed "inexplicable." Experts and MPs argue that Roblox, with its integrated chat and user-generated content features, functions similarly to a social media platform and should be subject to the same age restrictions. The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that platforms are assessed based on their "sole and significant purpose." While Roblox’s primary purpose is online gameplay, its merging of gaming and social interaction has raised concerns.

Legal Challenges in the United States

In the United States, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the company has deceived parents about the safety risks present on its platform. Paxton claims Roblox has become a haven for child predators and sexual exploitation. This lawsuit follows similar legal actions from other states and private plaintiffs. Roblox has responded by asserting its commitment to safety, highlighting its protocols to remove malicious actors and protect users, including parental controls that limit communication and content access. The company also stated it does not allow users to share images and collaborates with law enforcement.

Parental Lawsuits and Allegations

Beyond the governmental actions, parents are also taking legal steps. In Illinois, a lawsuit has been filed by a mother alleging her 14-year-old son was sexually exploited on Roblox. This is not an isolated incident, with another lawsuit filed in August by a St. Louis mother whose daughter allegedly faced similar exploitation. Attorneys representing these families contend that Roblox has not implemented sufficient measures to protect its young users. Roblox has stated that it is "deeply troubled by any incident that endangers our users" and is continuously investing in safety enhancements, including age-estimation technology for communication features and partnerships with child safety organizations.

Roblox’s Response and Safety Measures

Roblox has publicly stated its commitment to being the safest platform online, emphasizing its rigorous policies that exceed those of many other platforms. The company highlighted its use of AI for content moderation, advanced text filters to prevent the sharing of personal information, and limitations on chat for younger users. They also noted recent safety enhancements, including updated parental controls and a forthcoming facial age estimation requirement for users accessing communication features. Roblox is also a founding member of industry initiatives aimed at improving online child safety.