Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) has rolled out a series of new safety initiatives, including an advanced age estimation system and enhanced parental controls aimed at better protecting teenage users on its platform.
Among the updates is a feature called “Trusted Connections,” available to users aged 13 and up. It allows verified users to communicate without content filters, but only with people they know personally. Access to this feature requires users to confirm their age via a video selfie, which is then analyzed by Roblox’s age estimation technology.
For teens between 13 and 17, connections with adults (18 and over) are restricted to real-life acquaintances and can only be made using a QR code scan or Contact Importer feature. Despite the ability to chat without filters, all conversations are monitored for signs of potential harm, including grooming behavior.
The company is also rebranding its long-standing “Friends” feature, which will now be called “Connections” across the platform. In addition, Roblox is launching several privacy-focused tools, including Online Status Controls, a Do Not Disturb mode, and new insights and limits related to screen time.
Parents of teens will now have the option to link their accounts to their child’s, allowing them to view details about their teen’s activity on Roblox. This includes who they are connected with, how much time they spend on the platform, and their spending patterns. Parents can also choose to receive alerts when large transactions occur.
“Safety has always been foundational to everything we do at Roblox,” said Matt Kaufman, Roblox Chief Safety Officer. “Our goal is to lead the world in safety and civility for online gaming.”
These latest measures build on tools introduced last year to protect users under the age of 13. The new age estimation system is designed to ensure that players have experiences appropriate for their age group, while maintaining safeguards across the broader community.
Kaufman also noted that the new unfiltered chat feature for verified users could discourage teens from shifting conversations to other, less secure platforms. “Our goal is to lead the world in safety and civility for online gaming,” he emphasized.
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