Roblox tightens messaging rules for Under-13 users amid abuse concerns

23-Nov-2024 01:58 AM

Roblox is tightening its safety measures for users under 13, following concerns about child exploitation on the platform. The company will permanently disable direct messaging for this age group outside of in-game interactions, introduce parental control tools, and implement a content labeling system.

, a leading video game platform with millions of young users, has announced new safety measures aimed at protecting children under 13. The company will permanently remove the ability for these users to message others outside of in-game interactions, marking a significant step in its efforts to enhance safety. New Restrictions for Under-13 Users Under the updated rules:

Messaging Changes: Children under 13 can no longer send or receive messages outside of games. In-game messaging will remain available but only with parental consent.
Parental Controls: Roblox is introducing tools that allow parents to remotely manage their child’s account. These tools include viewing friend lists, setting spending limits, and managing screen time.
Content Descriptors:
- Games will now feature labels such as "Minimal," "Mild," or "Restricted" to indicate the level of content.
- Users under nine will only have access to "Minimal" or "Mild" experiences.
- Content labeled as "Restricted" will remain off-limits to anyone under 17 unless they verify their age.
Unlabeled Content: Younger users will not be able to search for, discover, or play games without appropriate content labels.

Response to Abuse Concerns Roblox’s new measures come amid increasing scrutiny over its safety practices. The platform has faced allegations of child exploitation, including:

Turkey’s Ban: In August, Turkey blocked access to Roblox after concerns about inappropriate user-generated content that allegedly facilitated abuse.
2022 Lawsuit: A San Francisco lawsuit claimed the platform allowed the exploitation of a California girl by adult men, involving drugs, alcohol, and explicit images.

These incidents have raised alarm over Roblox’s ability to monitor and regulate interactions on its platform. Additional Safety Features To further limit exposure to inappropriate content, Roblox has introduced a new setting that restricts users under 13 to receiving public broadcast messages only within games or experiences. Looking Forward Roblox’s updated policies reflect a commitment to creating a safer environment for its youngest users while empowering parents with greater control. However, the platform will need to continue addressing public concerns and demonstrate that these measures effectively curb misuse and exploitation. As the gaming industry increasingly faces calls for accountability, Roblox’s efforts may set a precedent for other platforms striving to balance user engagement with safety.