Online child safety organizations urge to investigate Roblox
Online child safety organizations have urged the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Roblox, arguing that the platform’s design and business practices may be harmful to children. The groups involved include Jonathan Haidt’s Anxious Generation Movement, Fairplay, and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
The complaint
According to their complaint, Roblox uses engagement-focused features that encourage prolonged use, exposes children to potential risks through its chat functions, and relies on in-game purchases that may take advantage of children’s limited impulse control. The organizations claim that these practices conflict with children’s developmental needs and may constitute unfair trade practices.
Around 150 million daily users
Roblox is one of the world’s largest gaming and social platforms, with around 150 million daily users, many of them under the age of 13. The complaint highlights concerns about interactions between children and older users, as well as the presence of inappropriate content on some user-created experiences.
Child protection
The campaigners are asking the FTC to examine whether Roblox has adequately protected children and complied with consumer protection and online privacy laws. Their request comes amid increasing political and public scrutiny of online platforms and their impact on young users.
Roblox rejects the allegations
Roblox rejects the allegations and states that its platform is designed to provide a positive and safe experience. The company points to its safety measures, including age verification systems, restrictions on chat features for younger users, and real-time child protection tools. Roblox also emphasizes that purchasing its virtual currency, Robux, is optional and that only a small percentage of users spend money on the platform.
The debate reflects broader concerns about child safety, digital wellbeing, online communication, and monetization practices on major technology platforms.