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
Young mum accused of killing son in Gold Coast crash to stay in custody

Gold Coast Mother Faces Custody in Tragic Crash Involving Son

Aneshia Daisy Case, 23, was absent from the Brisbane Magistrates Court today…

Trump Announces Swift Progress in Iran Operation Amid Tragic Loss of Three US Troops

In the aftermath of the recent joint military operations by the United…
A man who insists his kitchen is 'basically a grocery store' has been left scratching his head after his girlfriend claimed there was 'never anything to eat' at his house

Thousands Criticize Boyfriend’s Fridge for Unusual Reason Following Girlfriend’s Hunger Complaint

A man, convinced his kitchen rivals a grocery store, found himself puzzled…

Smaller Cities Surpass Sydney and Melbourne in Housing Market Growth: A New Real Estate Trend Emerges

In Brief Home values in Sydney and Melbourne have flatlined so far…
A man jogs along a beach with the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel seen in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Iran’s Airstrikes Shatter Dubai’s Illusion of Invulnerability: A Turning Point in Middle Eastern Stability

There is no going back for Dubai. Dubai, often promoted as a…
A prominent businessman's appeal against a legal‑costs order from a previously private family dispute with his DJ ex has backfired - forcing the case into open court and allowing both parties to be named for the first time. (Pictured: Matthew Pringle and Olivia Nervo)

Prominent Figures Revealed in High-Profile Family Dispute: Noted DJ and Business Mogul’s Case Goes Public, Potentially Impacting His Fortune

A high-profile businessman’s attempt to overturn a legal-costs ruling from a past…
One crew member was winched down, balancing on top of the cabin as the driver clung on.He attached the harness and both were brought to safety

Heroic Rescue: Trucker Saved from Life-Threatening Outback Floods

A dramatic rescue unfolded when a truck driver was airlifted to safety…
Cyclone risk increases as multiple lows bring further drenching to the north

Heightened Cyclone Threat: Multiple Low-Pressure Systems Intensify Northern Deluge

Forecasters are watching four tropical lows developing north of the continent that…

Experts Question Legality of Recent Israeli-US Strikes on Iran Under International Law

The government is under scrutiny for not openly evaluating the legality of…
Travel disruption continues as flights from Australia to Middle East scrapped

Flight Cancellations Cause Major Travel Disruptions Between Australia and the Middle East

Amid ongoing conflict, Australians find themselves among countless travelers stranded at airports…
Trump may have eye on superpower summit in timeline for defeating Iran

Trump Considers Superpower Summit in Strategy to Address Iran Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump might be considering his forthcoming visit to China…

Who’s in charge of Iran, and what is the process for selecting a new Supreme Leader?

The 36-year tenure of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the autocratic leader of Iran,…