Louisiana’s top prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against the popular gaming platform Roblox, criticizing it for becoming a haven for pedophiles because of its inadequate safety measures.
Attorney General Liz Murrill has alleged that the California-based company enables the distribution of child sex abuse material and the exploitation of children.
The lawsuit argues that the company deliberately or carelessly set up their platform without an age verification system, allowing users to create accounts with fraudulent birth dates.
According to the filing adults can pose as children, and kids can bypass controls meant for those under the age of 13.
Citing the company’s own annual report, it adds that around 20 percent of its 82 million active users were under the age of 9.
The 42-page suit points to alleged incidents on the platform involving sexually explicit ‘experiences’.
This includes an ‘Escape to Epstein Island’, ‘Diddy Party’, and ‘Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe’.
In an attempt to illustrate their point, the suit points to the arrest of an individual in July of this year in Livingston Parish in Louisiana.
Attorney General Liz Murrill has made accusations against the company for enabling child sex abuse material distribution and exploitation.
According to the filing adults can pose as children, and kids can bypass controls meant for those under the age of 13
They say that officers conducting a search warrant found child sexual abuse material, with the unknown suspect actively using Roblox.
It adds: ‘Notably, the individual was in possession of and had employed voice-altering technology designed to mimic the voice of a young female.’
The suit says that this was done to allegedly lure and sexually exploit minor users of the platform.
It adds: ‘Defendant is fully aware that grossly inappropriate, sexually explicit, and dangerous experiences pervade Roblox.
‘It allows them to continue to exist unchecked, despite the ability to control and/or eliminate them.’
The suit points out that predators are blatant about their intentions, highlighting usernames like ‘@RavpeTinyK1dsJE’ and ‘@EarlBrianBradley’.
Pedophile Earl Bradley, a former pediatrician, was jailed for life in August 2011 for abusing dozens of children which took place over a decade.
The Daily Mail reached out to the company for their take on the matter, but a spokesperson informed NBC they would not provide comments due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The 42-page suit points to alleged incidents on the platform involving sexually explicit ‘experiences’, which includes ones for a ‘Diddy Party’
Citing the company’s own annual report, it adds that around 20 percent of its 82 million active users were under the age of 9
The suit claims the company intentionally or recklessly designed a platform with no age verification process, allowing millions to make accounts with fake birthdays
They did say that they have dedicated ‘substantial resources’ to help detect and prevent inappropriate content.
A spokesperson said: ‘While no system is perfect, Roblox has implemented rigorous technology and enforcement safeguards, including restrictions on sharing personal information, links, and user-to-user image sharing. The safety of our community is a top priority.’
In a statement, Murrill said: ‘Due to Roblox’s lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana.
‘Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety.
‘Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home.’
The suit is seeking a permanent order barring the game from violating the state’s unfair trade practices act or promoting its safety features as being adequate.
