Roblox to Introduce Age-Based Accounts for Enhanced Child Safety
Videogame platform Roblox will create tailored accounts for young users, aiming to bolster online safety. This initiative follows intense global scrutiny regarding child endangerment concerns.
Through its age-check system or parental verification, Roblox will assign users aged 5 to 8 to "Roblox Kids" accounts. Users aged 9 to 15 will be assigned to "Roblox Select" accounts.
The introduction of these age-based accounts is scheduled for early June. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman stated, "We will also introduce, at the same time, new requirements on what content standards must be met in order to have content or games appear in either the Roblox Kids account or the Roblox Select account."
Roblox has faced significant criticism from governments worldwide over recent years. These accusations concern the organisation's alleged failure to protect children from sexual predators and exploitation.
Content appearing in "Roblox Kids" accounts will be limited based on maturity levels. Games must go through a "rigorous three-step review process" with strict eligibility requirements for creators, Kaufman said.
The chat feature for "Roblox Kids" accounts is turned off by default. For "Roblox Select" accounts, the chat feature is gradually turned on, depending on the user’s age.
Developers participating in the three-step review process must verify their IDs, enable two-step verification, and maintain an active Roblox Plus subscription.
Roblox announced on Friday that it will launch a subscription plan on April 30. This plan, which requires an active Roblox Plus subscription for developers, will cost USD 4.99 per month and offer discounts on in-game items, avatars, and additional platform benefits.
Roblox will introduce "Roblox Kids" and "Roblox Select" accounts for users aged 5-8 and 9-15 respectively, starting in early June.
The new accounts aim to enhance online safety following global scrutiny over child endangerment concerns.
Content for "Roblox Kids" accounts will be maturity-limited and subject to a "rigorous three-step review process."
Source: REUTERS
