Roblox Mandates Facial Age Verification For All Chat Users, Setting New Platform Safety Standard

Roblox (RBLX) is rolling out a comprehensive age verification system that will require users to complete facial recognition checks before accessing chat features, marking a significant shift in how the platform approaches user safety. This move positions Roblox as the first major gaming platform to make age authentication mandatory for communication capabilities.

How The Age Verification Process Works

The verification system requires users to provide either facial age estimation through their device camera or submit government-issued identification. Once completed, users are automatically sorted into age brackets—under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, and 21 and above. The facial recognition technology is handled by verification partner Persona, with all captured images deleted immediately after processing to protect user privacy.

After verification, chat privileges vary by age group. Users can only communicate with peers in similar age ranges, with exceptions for explicitly approved Trusted Connections. For the youngest players under 9, chat remains disabled by default, requiring parental authorization for activation. Meanwhile, players under 13 face ongoing restrictions on out-of-experience chat.

Rollout Timeline And Scope

The implementation begins in December with a limited rollout across select territories, followed by a global expansion scheduled for January. Those who decline or fail to complete the age check will lose access to chat functions entirely. Beyond messaging, Roblox also plans to require age verification for accessing social media links featured on user profiles and experience pages starting next year.

Creator tools will not be exempt—studio collaboration features are slated to receive age verification requirements in early 2025.

Expanding Safety Infrastructure

This initiative fits within Roblox’s broader safety ecosystem, which encompasses over 145 security improvements launched throughout the year. The platform combines monitored text and voice communication, advanced content filtering for younger demographics, restricted link sharing, and user-controlled blocking and reporting mechanisms.

The company frames these changes as setting an industry benchmark, calling on competitors to adopt comparable standards.

Market Response

On Tuesday, RBLX shares closed at $101.73, representing a 0.45% gain, before declining 0.05% to $101.67 in after-hours trading on the NYSE.