Roblox is launching “Kids” and “Select” account tiers on April 30 to provide age-appropriate game access and chat features, addressing recent safety concerns and legal challenges regarding minor protection on the platform.
Strict Eligibility for Game Developers
To have content considered for Roblox Kids or Roblox Select accounts, developers must first complete a rigorous verification process. Eligibility requires developers under the age of 16 to finish ID verification or maintain a link to a verified parent account. Additionally, all participating developer accounts must have two-step verification enabled to ensure platform security.
Transition to Roblox Plus Subscription
Developers are also required to maintain an active Roblox Plus subscription. This new service, which debuted last week at a monthly cost of $4.99, provides exclusive benefits and discounts on avatars and in-game items. Starting April 30, Roblox Plus will become the primary offering as the company stops accepting new sign-ups for its existing Roblox Premium tier.
Multilayered Safety Evaluation Process
Roblox will implement a real-time evaluation system for games before they reach younger audiences. Initially, users aged 16 and older will play the games to provide feedback and reports. This peer-review phase helps Roblox assess the experience before it is approved for the Kids or Select tiers.
The company will further utilize its multimodal moderation system to ensure all content adheres to platform rules. Finally, games must satisfy specific gameplay criteria, including the application of appropriate content maturity labels, to be accessible to younger users.
Response to Legal and Safety Pressures
These structural changes follow significant legal pressure, including lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Texas. These legal actions were initiated following reports and investigations by Hindenburg Research suggesting that the platform exposed minors to grooming and explicit content.
