Share this @internewscast.com
One of the world’s biggest gaming platforms will ask users to verify their age after Australia’s online safety watchdog threatened multimillion-dollar fines over concerns it was “becoming a playground for pedophiles”.
Roblox announced plans to launch age-estimation technology on Tuesday, with checks initially available as a voluntary measure before they become mandatory for Australians in December.
The United States-based firm said the changes would limit inappropriate conversations between children and adults on the platform.
The change will be enforced one week before Australia’s social media ban for children under 16 years, which Roblox is exempt from.
But eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told ABC radio the restrictions were only being introduced after negotiations with Roblox, in which they were threatened with fines for failing to prevent harm.

Roblox has long been under scrutiny over concerns about its safety features, particularly regarding potential risks to younger users. “We’ve been closely monitoring Roblox due to worries about its safety measures and its potential misuse by predators,” an expert expressed.

“We reached out to them around a formal warning and then it turned into a negotiation which they have to comply with by the end of December.”
Under eSafety industry codes and standards, platforms can be fined up to $49.5 million for failing to protect users from seriously harmful material.
All Roblox users will be asked to submit to age-estimation technology under its changes, with checks provided by the US firm Persona.

To address these concerns, Roblox is implementing an advanced software system that uses artificial intelligence to estimate the age of users by scanning their faces. This technology will categorize users into one of six age groups based on the estimated age.

According to Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s Chief Safety Officer, the new system will restrict users to chatting only with others in their own age group or in adjacent categories. This aims to minimize the chances of inappropriate interactions occurring on the platform.

Under the new guidelines, Roblox users will be asked to participate in this age-estimation process. The technology has been shown to accurately predict users’ ages within one to two years. Should there be discrepancies, users have the option to verify their age by providing government-issued identification.

Over-the-shoulder view of a young child playing a game on a tablet.

While acknowledging the existence of a chat feature, Kaufman clarified that Roblox is not considered a social media platform. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that these updates would help to enhance safety standards across digital platforms.

The technology had proven accurate to within one or two years, and users could correct results by sharing government-issued identification, he said.

“We decided that simply going with age-estimation was the path of least friction and the path that provided the best outcome and that minimised the collection of personal information,” Kaufman said.
Earlier in 2025, politicians called for Roblox to fall under Australia’s social media age ban, but Inman Grant confirmed it would be exempt, as would services such as the social chat platform Discord and the games marketplace Steam.

Despite its chat feature, Roblox was not a social media platform, Kaufman said, but he hoped its changes would lift online standards.

Roblox age restrictions will be required for users in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands in December before a global expansion in January 2026.
The reforms come as the firm faces more than 35 lawsuits in the US, including allegations it allowed child sexual exploitation on its platform.
Readers seeking support can ring Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at beyondblue.org.au and lifeline.org.au.
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Coalition calls for 5 per cent deposit scheme to be for only Australian citizens

Exclusive 5% Deposit Scheme: Coalition Advocates Citizenship-Only Access

The leader of the federal opposition addressed listeners on 2GB before presenting…
A man has been stabbed in his own home in Queensland.

Early Morning Home Invasion in Queensland Leaves Man with Multiple Stab Wounds

A Queensland resident is in critical condition after sustaining multiple stab wounds…
State to receive millions of litres of diesel

State Set to Acquire Millions of Litres of Diesel

By Patrick Brischetto04:44 President Donald Trump has often been outspoken against certain…

Introducing Péter Magyar: Hungary’s Newly Appointed Prime Minister

As a young boy, Péter Magyar adorned his bedroom walls with a…
Aussies' private travel details accessed by 'unauthorised parties'

Unauthorized Access to Australians’ Private Travel Information: What You Need to Know

Popular travel website Booking.com has warned customers that their personal information including…
Perth, Australia - March 27, 2025: Drone photograph of buildings around Elizabeth Quay at sunset.

The Two Cities in Australia Where Residents’ Wealth Increases by $50,000

Homeowners in Perth and Brisbane are set for a major boost, with…

Queensland Man Challenges ‘Insane’ Law After Being Charged for Using New Banned Phrases

In a recent court appearance, a 70-year-old man, Jim Dowling, is set…
Trump tips food delivery driver $140 for McDonald's order

Trump’s Generous $140 Tip on McDonald’s Delivery Sparks Internet Buzz

US President Donald Trump has tipped a food delivery driver at the…
Magnitude 4.5 earthquake strikes near gold mine in regional NSW

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Area Near NSW Gold Mine

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake has struck near a gold mine in regional…
Underworld figure Gavin Preston, 50, was gunned down by two men dressed in black while eating breakfast at a cafe in Melbourne's north-west on September 9, 2023.

Two Suspects Stand Trial for Alleged Underworld Hit Plot at Local Cafe

Prosecutors have painted a vivid picture of a meticulously orchestrated assassination involving…

Viktor Orbán’s Election Defeat: Global Implications and the Future of International Politics

The unexpected triumph of Péter Magyar and his Tisza party has taken…

Qantas Increases Fares and Reduces Domestic Flights Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Qantas Airways is bracing for a significant hit to its finances as…