Roblox is bringing in new safety features for users under the age of 13.
Roblox is bringing in new safety features for users under the age of 13.
The free online gaming platform – which lets players create their own games – has come under fire with some children claiming they have been exposed to harmful and upsetting content.
The service – which has around 70 million daily users around the world – lets players take on games made by others, which has led to children seeing unsuitable material.
In a statement to the BBC, the company said: “We’re constantly strengthening our safety systems and policies — we shipped over 30 improvements this year and we have more to come.”
From December 3, creators will need to clarify whether or not their titles are suitable for under 13s.
If they don’t, then they will automatically be blocked for younger users.
Meanwhile, users 12 and under will be banned from “social handouts”, which allow gamers to talk via text and voice.
That rule will come into effect on November 18, with hangout experiences defined as games where “the primary theme or purpose” is letting people communicate as themselves, as opposed to in character.
On the same date, under 13s will also be stopped from accessing “free-form 2D user creation”, which allowed users to “draw or write in 2D and replicate those creations to other users without the completed creation going through Roblox moderation”.
Although the changes are being introduced over the next few weeks, Roblox won’t be enforcing them until 2025.
The developer added on its own website: “We recognise the deadline is soon, but we greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure Roblox is a safe and civil place for users of all ages to come together.”
Roblox introducing new safety features for under 13s
