Roblox Introduces Mandatory Age Verification for Chat

Roblox Corporation has officially implemented a mandatory age verification requirement for in-game chat features. Effective immediately, users in the US and abroad must verify their age to access chat functionality. This initiative is designed to enhance safety for younger players amidst ongoing legal and regulatory pressure.

The verification process involves facial age estimation via a selfie for most users, while those 13 years of age or older have the option to use ID-based checks. Once verified, players are categorized into specific age groups that dictate who they can communicate with. This rollout follows a successful trial in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, where 50% of daily active users completed verification.

Starting January 7, the platform requires users to submit to facial age estimation to use chat features. This process is facilitated by a third-party vendor, Persona. The company states that images used for verification are deleted immediately after processing. For users 13 years of age or older, an alternative ID-based check is available.

Age verification is currently only required to access chat; it remains optional for playing the game itself. The requirement applies to all regions where the chat feature is available. Roblox noted that a trial rollout conducted late last year in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands resulted in half of the daily active users completing the verification process.

Verified users are assigned to one of six distinct age groups, ranging from under 9 to 21+. Communication is strictly regulated based on these groups. Players can only chat with members of their own group, as well as the age groups directly below and above theirs.

Specific rules apply to the youngest demographic:

• Players under 9 years old will have chat turned off by default.
• Chat access for this group can only be enabled if a parent approves its use after age verification.

For older users, Roblox offers a feature called Trusted Connections. This allows players aged 13 or older to chat more freely with users outside their immediate age bracket. This feature is intended for friends imported via a user's phone or contacts added through QR codes shared outside of the platform. Both parties must complete age verification to use Trusted Connections. Additionally, the company reserves the right to ask users to resubmit verification if their behavior suggests they are substantially older or younger than their claimed age.

The decision to implement strict age verification follows repeated accusations that Roblox Corporation was not doing enough to protect younger players. The company has faced lawsuits from multiple state attorneys general, specifically citing Louisiana and Texas. These legal actions alleged that minors were exposed to disturbing in-game "experiences."

Roblox has been gradually tightening safety protocols over the past two years. In 2024, the company banned players under 13 from accessing certain types of in-game content and restricted their ability to direct message players outside of specific games. Last year, the platform also cracked down on user-created content in response to the lawsuit from the state of Louisiana.