Roblox recently demonstrated its age-estimation system at its San Mateo headquarters, where several children attempted to fool the technology. In one example, an 11-year-old wearing a fake mustache was identified by the system as being between 9 and 12 years old.
The company has increasingly promoted age verification and age estimation as central components of its safety strategy. Earlier this year, Roblox rolled out the technology globally, using biometric analysis to estimate users’ ages and help determine which chat features they can access. Users seeking broader chat functionality must either verify their age with a government-issued ID or complete the biometric age check.
According to Eliza Jacobs, Roblox’s vice president of safety product policy, the company’s AI-powered system estimates age based on facial structure and typically falls within 1.4 years of a child’s actual age. “We’re optimistic that it will continue to get better and better. But as compared to picking your birthday on a drop-down list, it’s much more accurate,” Jacobs said. She added that self-reported age verification is no longer sufficient, stating: “Ticking a box to say you’re 13 or older, it’s not enough anymore.”
The safety measures arrive as Roblox continues to face scrutiny over child protection on its platform. Multiple states have taken legal action against the company over safety concerns, while more than 150 families have sued Roblox over allegations that it failed to adequately protect children from predators. The company disputes those claims.
“Roblox is deeply committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and age-appropriate environment for our community,” a Roblox spokesperson said. “The claims about Roblox fundamentally misrepresent how our platform works and fail to take into account the extensive, proactive measures we are pioneering and implementing to set a new standard in online safety.”
Roblox says biometric data used for age estimation is handled by third-party provider Persona and is deleted immediately after the process is completed. Even so, age-estimation technology has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and users concerned about data collection, accuracy, and the possibility of bypassing verification systems.
To address incorrect age estimates, Roblox allows users to submit government identification to verify their age. Parents can also update the ages associated with linked child accounts.
The company has also implemented what it calls “continuous age estimation,” a system that evaluates signals such as gameplay habits, activity times, and chat behavior to identify potential mismatches between a user’s registered age and what Roblox describes as their “behavioral age.” Those users may be asked to verify their age again.
“Certainly no system is perfect, and we know that sometimes it will get it wrong,” Jacobs said. “We want to have a balance between being able to correct something that’s wrong, but also not letting people abuse the system.”
Beyond player verification, Roblox has introduced new requirements for developers creating games for younger audiences. Developers must complete ID verification, enable two-factor authentication, and provide a financial commitment through either a paid subscription or a publishing fee of 1,000 Robux per game before making titles available to players under 16.
The company said the measures are intended to reduce abuse and improve accountability among creators publishing games to its community. Games designated for Kids and Select accounts must also undergo additional review before becoming available to younger users.
Some developers have criticized the new rules, arguing they create added costs and barriers for smaller creators. Jacobs acknowledged that not all users will welcome the changes but said Roblox remains focused on its long-term safety goals. “Not everyone is going to be happy all the time,” Jacobs said.
She added that the company intends to continue prioritizing safety measures despite community pushback. “We have a long-term vision of safety and civility on the platform that we’re building towards that we believe in,” Jacobs said. “It’s OK if some people are not always happy about that.”
This analysis is based on reporting from NBC News.
Image courtesy of Roblox.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
