- Roblox introduces new chat restrictions for children under 13, limiting communication outside of games.
- Parents will have more control over their children's accounts, with the ability to set time limits and monitor activity remotely.
- Content labels will be implemented to classify in-game experiences, restricting access to more age-sensitive content.
- The changes respond to Child safety concerns following reports of abuse on the platform.
The video games Roblox, popular among children and teenagers, has announced new security measures aimed at protecting its youngest users, especially those under 13 yearsWith this new update, the company seeks Strengthen parental controls and restrict certain dangerous features in an effort to improve online security.
In recent months, Roblox has been at the center of controversy due to worrying reports of possible abuses within the platform. Publications such as Bloomberg and Hindenburg Research detailed alarming cases of manipulation and exploitation of minors through direct chats in the game. These reports led the Roblox team to take immediate measures to prevent the situation from getting worse and to guarantee a safer environment for minors.
New chat restrictions and tools for parents
From November 18, 2024, the Children under 13 will no longer be able to send direct messages outside of games or experiences within Roblox. This means that although minors will still be able to enjoy the video game, private conversations will be limited to approved gaming scenarios within the platform.
In addition, parents will now have more advanced tools to monitor and control activity from their children. From their own devices, adults will be able to access different functions, such as setting screen time limits, checking the friends list, preventing access to certain games and restrict the use of chats within the game itself. These parental control options will allow for greater remote supervision, without the need to intervene directly on the minor's device.
Content labels to properly classify experiences
Another of the novelties announced by Roblox is the introduction of a new system of content tags. Unlike the age ratings that existed previously, the new labels will allow parents to deciding which experiences are appropriate depending on the type of content. Categories range from “minimal” and “mild” to “moderate” and “restricted.” children under 9 years They will only have access to games and experiences labeled as “minimal” or “mild,” while access to “moderate” content will require the express authorization of an adult.
Roblox has also started blocking the restricted content experiences until the user is at least 17 years old and presents a valid identification, thus preventing minors from inadvertently accessing inappropriate content.
Previous abuse cases and complaints on Roblox
The background to these changes is not minor. Over the past few years, Roblox has had serious problems related to the safety of its youngest usersOne of the most notorious cases occurred in 2018, when it was reported that the character of a 7-year-old girl suffered a virtual sexual abuse within the platform. This incident unleashed a wave of criticism towards the company for its failure to adequately protect minors.
Another alarming case was reported in 2024, when a 10-year-old girl accidentally dropped a two-month-old baby, allegedly under instructions received through RobloxThe situation highlighted the urgent need to take stricter measures to prevent minors from being manipulated or exposed to inappropriate content.
In response to these types of incidents, Roblox has worked closely with child protection organizations and has implemented automatic filters which eliminate any attempt to share sensitive personal information. However, these filters will now be complemented by new restrictions related to private chat and parental supervision, seeking to prevent and minimize any risk to minors.
The Roblox Challenge: Creating a Safe Environment for Minors
Since its creation, Roblox has managed to capture the attention of millions of users around the world. With more than 88,9 million daily players On the platform, 40% of whom are under 13 years old, online security is a major challenge for the company.
Roblox is committed to continuing to adapt to ensure a safe and fun space for children. Through these new measures, the company hopes to offer a safer experience for all of its users, especially the youngest ones, who are its main audience. According to the company, they continue to look for improvements in its security systems and will continue to work with experts to improve the conditions of use.
One aspect that has been repeatedly stressed by the Roblox team is the importance of collaboration with parents. The new tools not only give more control to adults, but also aim to strengthen communication between parents and minors about digital activities. The company has reiterated that its main goal is to provide a safe and entertaining environment for children, where they can explore, socialize and create without worrying about the dangers of the digital world.
These updates mark an important step towards Protection of minors in virtual environmentsWhile there is still much work to be done, Roblox has taken a step forward by acknowledging the issues that have arisen on its platform and addressing child safety in a more robust manner. There will decide whether these measures will be enough to keep minors safe in this popular virtual universe.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
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