In response to growing concerns over user safety, Roblox is rolling out new measures aimed at protecting children under the age of 13. The popular online gaming platform, boasting approximately 70 million daily users globally, has come under scrutiny for its ability to shield younger players from inappropriate content. With a significant portion of its user base consisting of children, the platform is taking steps to address these vulnerabilities.
Starting December 3, game developers on Roblox will be required to indicate whether their games are appropriate for users under 13. Any games deemed unsuitable will be inaccessible to players aged 12 and younger. This initiative comes after numerous complaints from young users who reported exposure to disturbing material within the platform.
Additionally, beginning November 18, players under 13 will be restricted from accessing “social hangouts.” These spaces are designed for players to interact through text and voice, and the new rules will specifically target experiences where communication is the primary focus, rather than gameplay involving character role-playing.
The changes aim to create a safer environment by preventing access to features that have the potential to expose young users to harmful interactions.
Moreover, younger players will also lose access to “free-form 2D user creation” options. This restriction targets games that allow users to draw or write freely without prior moderation by Roblox. The intention behind this move is to limit the risks associated with offensive or inappropriate content that can easily be generated without oversight.
Roblox has acknowledged the urgency of these updates, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for all users, particularly its youngest audience. The platform plans to implement a mandatory questionnaire for creators seeking to offer experiences suitable for under-13s. This measure will ensure that unrated content does not appear in search results or recommended lists for younger players.
Despite announcing that these changes would take effect promptly, enforcement of the new requirements is not expected until 2025. This gradual implementation reflects Roblox’s commitment to enhancing safety while navigating complex operational challenges.
As digital environments continue evolving, platforms like Roblox must remain vigilant in safeguarding younger audiences. With increased scrutiny from regulators like Ofcom and incidents leading to actions such as Turkey’s complete ban on Roblox in August, the gaming giant’s proactive approach could redefine how online safety measures are enforced across interactive platforms in the future.
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