Roblox Introducing Facial Age Estimation Technology for Users, Ensuring Restricted Interaction Between Adults and Minors Unless They Are Connected in Real Life

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, Roblox Corporation has announced plans to implement a new age estimation technology as part of its ID verification and parental consent tools. The aim is to provide a more accurate measure of a user's age, a move that comes amidst growing concerns about the safety of the platform, particularly for children.

The new technology works by analysing a selfie to estimate age and sort users into rating groups. This development is significant, given the growing popularity of age estimation technology, although its effectiveness and ethical implications are subjects of ongoing debate.

Roblox has been at the centre of controversy for several years, with allegations that it's unsafe for kids. In 2022, a crackdown on "vigilantes" in the platform, including the ban of popular Roblox YouTuber Schlep, attracted the attention of Chris Hansen, formerly the host of the early 2000s television series To Catch a Predator. Hansen is now reportedly working on a documentary about Roblox.

The backlash against Roblox regarding its safety for kids has been growing since 2025, with Democrat politician Ro Khanna criticizing the company for not doing enough to protect children. In the same year, Louisiana sued Roblox Corporation for allegedly endangering the safety of children, and the ESRB proposed using facial scanning technology to estimate people's ages, but the FTC rejected it due to uncertainties about the technology.

In response to these concerns, Roblox Corporation is expanding the use of facial age estimation technology in its built-in communications systems. The company's goal is to set a standard that other gaming, social media, and communication platforms follow.

This move comes as other platforms, such as Facebook, have introduced selfie verification for user accounts, and systems like Microsoft's incoming Xbox age verification have proven tougher to fool. Roblox's new age estimation technology, combined with existing safety measures, could potentially offer a more secure environment for its young users.

However, the debate about the effectiveness and ethical implications of age estimation technology continues. As Roblox and other platforms strive to improve safety for their users, it's crucial that these advancements are implemented responsibly and transparently, ensuring the protection and privacy of all users, especially children.

Roblox Introducing Facial Age Estimation Technology for Users, Ensuring Restricted Interaction Between Adults and Minors Unless They Are Connected in Real Life