Roblox adds teen safety tools, but experts say risks still remain

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Roblox is rolling out new tools to make its platform safer for teenagers and kids, including a new friend system, age verification using video selfies, and improved privacy controls. 

These updates are designed to give users more control over who they talk to and help keep younger players away from unsafe interactions.

The old friend system didn’t separate casual online acquaintances from close friends. The new system now offers “Connections” and “Trusted Connections.” 

To use Trusted Connections, users must verify their age with a video selfie. An AI estimates their age, and if it can’t do so confidently, users must provide an ID. 

If they’re under 13, they’ll be restricted from accessing features deemed inappropriate for their age.

However, verifying identity can be tricky for minors who don’t have an ID, especially in places like the US. 

Roblox says that in the future, parents may be able to verify for their children, but if that’s not possible, the child won’t get access to certain features.

Once verified, teens aged 13–17 can add other verified teens. Adults must connect through a QR code scan in person or by phone number. 

If users are verified, filters on chats (like censoring personal details or bad language) are removed, though Roblox still monitors conversations to catch inappropriate behavior or predatory actions.

Critics say these new tools put too much responsibility on kids and families. 

Online safety expert Kirra Pendergast says relying on teens to verify who is “trusted” creates risk, especially since predators often use real-world tactics to gain trust. 

A QR code scan doesn’t prove someone is safe, she argues.

Roblox says this is part of a long-term plan to become the safest online space for young people. They use AI to help with moderation and offer parental controls and dashboards. 

But experts stress that safety needs to be built into the system by default, not something optional or left to individual judgment.

Do you think Roblox’s new safety tools will effectively protect young users? Or are these measures placing too much responsibility on kids and parents to identify risks? Tell us below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.