Roblox Expands Age-Estimation Technology to Enhance User Safety
Roblox Announces Partnership with IARC for Improved Age and Content Ratings
In a proactive response to ongoing lawsuits focused on child safety, the online gaming platform Roblox has unveiled plans to broaden its age-estimation technology to encompass all users. Announced on Wednesday, this initiative includes a collaboration with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) to implement robust age and content ratings for games and applications within the Roblox ecosystem.
Age-Estimation Technology Roll-Out
Roblox aims to implement its new age-estimation system by the end of this year, particularly targeting users engaged with the company’s communication features, such as voice and text chat. The technology utilizes users’ selfies to analyze facial characteristics and generate an estimated age.
This method of estimating age will be paired with additional verification systems, including ID checks and parental consent, to enhance accuracy in determining a user’s age. According to Roblox, this approach is significantly more reliable than simply asking users to input their birthdate when setting up an account. The company further announced plans to introduce measures to reduce communication between adults and minors on the platform.
Revised Content Ratings
As part of its partnership with IARC, Roblox will transition from its existing content and maturity labels to those provided by internationally recognized rating organizations. For U.S. users, game ratings will reflect those from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), while users in different countries will see ratings consistent with their national authorities. For instance, players in South Korea will experience GRAC ratings, while those in Germany will see USK ratings, and users in Europe and the U.K. will encounter PEGI ratings.
This new rating system is designed to assist parents in understanding the nature of the games their children are engaging with, particularly regarding content that may raise concerns, such as violence, adult language, or substance use.
Enhanced Safety Features Implemented
Roblox has a history of prioritizing the safety of its younger users, having recently implemented several features to bolster user protection. Among these is an age verification process that utilizes video selfies to restrict under-13 users from accessing specific functionalities, including unfiltered chat. Users aged 13 to 17 face additional restrictions, as they are only allowed to add trusted connections they know personally, either through contact imports or QR code scanning.
These updates align with the increasing global regulatory landscape surrounding age verification for social platforms, including the U.K.’s Online Safety Act and Mississippi’s age assurance legislation.
Ongoing Challenges and Commitment to User Safety
Despite Roblox’s efforts to create a safer environment, issues persist. Various lawsuits filed by state attorneys general, including Louisiana’s Liz Murrill, highlight ongoing challenges with child predators infiltrating the platform and targeting young users. A recent study reported by The Guardian indicates that children can still encounter inappropriate content and interact with potentially harmful individuals.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about games like "Grow a Garden," where players engage in buying and selling virtual items for real money, raising alarms among parents regarding the pressures placed on children to spend money to remain competitive.
Conclusion: A Focus on Safety and Transparency
While these changes to the rating system may not completely eliminate risks, they are expected to furnish parents with enhanced insights into the types of games their children are accessing. "Roblox is committed to establishing a safe platform for our users and empowering parents to make informed decisions for their children,” stated Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer. “We are excited to collaborate with IARC and aim to provide parents with greater clarity and assurance regarding age-appropriate content.”
This initiative underscores Roblox’s dedication to improving child safety as it navigates the evolving landscape of online gaming.
