ROBLOX, a platform often at the center of online gaming debates, has rolled out an age verification feature utilizing facial recognition technology. This new system aims to regulate user access to player-to-player chats based on the user’s age group.

Though ROBLOX is not classified as a social media site and is not subject to the forthcoming minimum age laws for such platforms, it has been in discussions with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. The focus is on ensuring compliance with the Online Safety Act, which mandates that services take proactive measures to safeguard children online.

The platform has introduced an innovative age estimation process that involves scanning the user’s face via a device’s camera. This method is akin to setting up facial recognition for unlocking a smartphone, and it helps in determining the user’s approximate age.

All images and videos captured during this scanning process are promptly deleted once the age estimation is complete, at which point the user is informed of their determined age group.

After verification, users are restricted to chatting only with peers within their age bracket, categorized as 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, or 21 and older.

For family members or siblings wishing to chat across different age groups, they can connect through real-world links. This is verified either by scanning a QR code or by confirming that each user’s mobile number is stored as a contact in the other’s phone.

Starting today all users can voluntarily go through the age estimation process, but as of the first week of December the age-check will be required in Australia, expanding globally early in the new year.