Roblox Expands Global Age Checks for Chat Access

Roblox has begun enforcing mandatory age verification for all users who want to access its chat feature, extending a system previously limited to select regions.
The company says the move is designed to strengthen protections for minors by restricting communication across age groups.
The rollout marks one of the most significant safety changes the platform has implemented to date.

Mandatory Age Verification Rolls Out Worldwide

Roblox has expanded its age‑verification requirement to every region where chat is available, including the United States. The system was first introduced voluntarily in November to limit communication between adults and minors, but it is now being enforced globally. Users in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands were already required to verify their age before chatting. It remains unclear how communication between verified and unverified users will function during the transition period.

The company says it is the first major online gaming platform to require age checks for all users who want to access chat. Roblox describes the change as an investment in user safety aimed at enabling age‑appropriate communication. The platform has faced increasing scrutiny over interactions between younger and older players. This new system is intended to reduce those risks by adding structured communication boundaries.

Once verified, users are placed into one of six age tiers ranging from under 7 to 21 and older. Communication is restricted to adjacent tiers, meaning younger players cannot chat with significantly older users. A nine‑year‑old, for example, cannot chat with anyone older than 13. A 16‑year‑old can communicate only with users aged 13 to 20.

Roblox also plans to monitor user behavior to identify accounts acting older or younger than their verified age. Anyone flagged as being in the wrong tier will be required to repeat the verification process. The company says this approach helps maintain the integrity of the system. More than half of daily active users in early‑adopting countries have already completed verification.

How Roblox’s Age‑Based System Works

Age verification is conducted through Persona, a third‑party service that Roblox describes as private and secure. Persona deletes personal images and data immediately after processing, according to the company. Although the age check is technically voluntary, users cannot access chat without completing it. This effectively makes verification mandatory for anyone who wants to communicate on the platform.

Roblox’s chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, said the company’s goal is to provide the highest level of protection for its users. He emphasized that age‑based barriers help ensure safer interactions across the platform. The company believes these measures will empower users to connect in ways that reflect their developmental stage. Roblox has framed the update as part of a broader effort to modernize its safety infrastructure.

The platform has introduced several safety features over the past year. A “sensitive issues” content tag was added to help categorize experiences that may require additional caution. In late 2024, Roblox restricted direct messaging for users under 13 and limited the types of messages they could send in games. These changes were designed to reduce exposure to inappropriate content and interactions.

Roblox’s user base spans a wide range of ages, making safety controls particularly important. The company has long faced challenges balancing creative freedom with protective measures. Age‑based communication limits represent a more structured approach to managing these risks. The global rollout suggests Roblox is moving toward more standardized safety policies.

A Growing Focus on Safety Across Online Platforms

The introduction of global age checks reflects a broader trend in the gaming and social media industries. Platforms are increasingly adopting stricter verification systems to address concerns about child safety and online grooming. Roblox’s decision to enforce age checks for all chat users sets a notable precedent among large gaming services. Other platforms may face pressure to adopt similar measures.

Regulators in multiple countries have pushed for stronger protections for minors online. Age‑verification systems are becoming more common as governments consider new digital safety laws. Roblox’s approach aligns with these regulatory expectations by limiting cross‑age communication. The company’s system may serve as a model for future industry standards.

The effectiveness of age verification will depend on user adoption and the accuracy of behavioral monitoring. Roblox’s commitment to ongoing evaluation suggests the system will evolve over time. The company has indicated that it will refine its approach as it gathers more data. This iterative process may help address concerns about misuse or loopholes.

Roblox’s safety updates highlight the increasing complexity of moderating large online communities. As AI‑generated content and new communication tools emerge, platforms must adapt quickly. Age‑based controls are one part of a broader strategy to manage these challenges. The company’s continued investment in safety features signals a long‑term commitment to user protection.