Texas Escalates Legal Battle Against Roblox Over Child Safety Allegations

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the popular online gaming platform Roblox, accusing the company of deceiving parents about the safety risks children face on its platform. This legal action follows similar suits filed by other states and numerous private plaintiffs, all alleging that Roblox has become a breeding ground for child predators and exploitation.

Key Takeaways

Texas is the third state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns.
The lawsuit alleges Roblox conceals safety risks and endangers children.
Roblox maintains it has strong safety protocols and is disappointed by the lawsuit.
Similar lawsuits have been filed by parents alleging child sexual exploitation on the platform.

Allegations of Deception and Exploitation

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has accused Roblox of failing to adequately protect minors, alleging the platform has become a "digital playground for predators." The lawsuit claims the company has deceived parents about the inherent safety risks, leading to children being exposed to sexually explicit content and exploitation. This legal move by Texas joins Kentucky and Louisiana, which have also initiated lawsuits against Roblox on similar grounds. Dozens of private lawsuits have also been filed by families who claim their children have been sexually abused or exploited while using the gaming platform.

Roblox’s Defense and Safety Measures

In response to the lawsuit, Roblox stated that it shares the Attorney General’s commitment to child safety and has implemented "industry-leading protocols" to protect its users. The company highlighted features such as parental controls that allow restrictions on communication and content access, and noted that it works closely with law enforcement. Roblox expressed disappointment with the lawsuit, suggesting it is based on "misrepresentations and sensationalized claims" rather than a collaborative approach to addressing industry-wide safety challenges.

Broader Concerns and Regulatory Landscape

The lawsuit against Roblox is part of a larger trend of legal actions targeting online platforms for their child safety practices. Texas has previously filed a similar lawsuit against ByteDance’s TikTok. In 2023, Texas lawmakers strengthened laws requiring social media platforms to protect minors, though some provisions have faced legal challenges. Internationally, countries like Australia are also grappling with regulating online platforms, with discussions around including gaming platforms like Roblox in social media bans for minors under 16 due to concerns about unmoderated exposure to gambling, explicit content, and social media-like interactions.

Roblox’s User Base and Future Commitments

Roblox reported an average of 151.5 million daily active users in the third quarter, with a significant portion, 40%, being under the age of 13 in 2024. The company has stated it is continually innovating and investing in safety, making over 145 safety enhancements this year alone. Roblox is also a founding member of initiatives aimed at developing industry-wide standards for online child safety and is implementing age-estimation technologies for users accessing communication features.