The attorney general of Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the platform of failing to implement basic safety controls and creating an environment that is conducive to pedophiles.
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Liz Murrill, alleges that Roblox has facilitated the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the sexual exploitation of Louisiana’s children. It also claims that the platform has intentionally not implemented safety controls to protect children from predators and has not informed parents of potential risks.
With 82 million daily active users, 20% of whom are under 8 years old and another 20% between 9 and 12, Roblox has been criticized for endangering the safety of children in Louisiana. The platform has been accused of prioritizing user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety.
According to the lawsuit, adults can pretend to be children on Roblox, and children can bypass age restrictions to access content meant for older users. The lawsuit also highlights sexually explicit experiences on the platform, such as “Escape to Epstein Island,” “Diddy Party,” and “Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe.”
In response, a spokesperson for Roblox stated that the company dedicates substantial resources, including advanced technology and 24/7 human moderation, to detect and prevent inappropriate content and behavior on the platform.
Despite implementing safety measures last year, including prohibiting users under 13 from sending direct messages, the lawsuit claims that these measures were implemented too late and are insufficient. It seeks injunctive relief to prevent the company from claiming it has adequate safety features and engaging in any activity that violates the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act.
