Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the online gaming platform Roblox. The legal action alleges that Roblox has disregarded safety regulations and misled parents regarding potential dangers on its platform for young users.
Roblox responded to the lawsuit, expressing disappointment and characterizing the claims as "misrepresentations and sensationalised."
Legal Allegations and Company Response
Paxton stated via social media that Roblox is a "breeding ground for predators," asserting that the company prioritizes "corporate profit" over the safety of children. He called upon Roblox to enhance its protective measures for children.
A spokesperson for Roblox issued a statement indicating the company's shared commitment with Attorney General Paxton to ensuring children's online safety. The statement detailed the implementation of measures designed to remove "bad actors" and safeguard users.
Platform Features and User Interaction
Roblox, widely used by children, operates an online environment where users can engage in games individually or with peers. The platform also enables users to access servers and interact with unfamiliar individuals online. This feature has prompted criticism regarding the potential exposure of young players to dangerous individuals.
Reports from parents and children have detailed experiences of distressing content and abuse encountered on the platform.
Broader Legal Context and Company Actions
This lawsuit from Texas contributes to existing legal challenges faced by Roblox concerning online safety and potential internet predators. The company reports tens of millions of daily active users.
Kentucky and Louisiana have also initiated lawsuits against Roblox, citing similar concerns regarding potential harms to children.
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki previously informed the BBC that parents who are uncomfortable with their children using the platform should not permit them to do so, stating, "I would always trust parents to make their own decisions."
In recent years, Roblox has introduced features aimed at strengthening age verification and safety protocols for younger players. The platform is deploying technology to estimate a player's age, utilizing methods such as video selfies, before allowing them to communicate on Roblox. Last year, Roblox also announced a policy to block users under the age of 13 from messaging other users on the platform unless explicit parental or guardian permission is granted.
Internationally, Roblox has faced scrutiny and actions. Turkey has banned the platform due to concerns related to child exploitation. In 2023, the Singaporean government examined Roblox after reports of a self-radicalized teenager being groomed by individuals on the game's servers.