Roblox Launches Mandatory Age-Gated Tiers to Restrict Content and Chat for Younger Users

Roblox has launched a major overhaul to its account system, introducing mandatory age-gated tiers to restrict younger users' access to games and chat features, effective mid-May. The platform, which boasts 144 million daily users, will now divide accounts into three categories: Kids for ages 5-9 (or 5-8 per some reports), Select for ages 9-15, and standard accounts for those 16 and older. This move segregates content and communication based on age, building on Roblox's existing facial age verification technology.

The changes come amid mounting pressure on the gaming giant over child safety. Roblox faces lawsuits from attorneys general in eight U.S. states alleging failures to protect minors, as reported by The Next Web. Additionally, global pushes for social media bans targeting platforms accessible to youth have prompted Roblox to differentiate itself, according to Bloomberg Technology. CEO Dave Baszucki discussed the initiative in interviews, emphasizing it as a proactive step to enhance safety amid these legal and regulatory challenges.

Under the new Kids accounts, the youngest users—primarily ages 5 to 9—will face the strictest limits on games and chat interactions deemed inappropriate for their age group. Select accounts for 9- to 15-year-olds will offer moderated access, separating them from older teens and adults on the standard tier. TechCrunch detailed how these automatic assignments aim to create age-appropriate experiences, while Roblox defends the expanded age-checks following parental complaints about verification errors, as covered by BBC Technology.

Parents and users have already voiced concerns, particularly around the accuracy of age verification systems that could misassign accounts. Roblox is addressing these issues by extending its tech across its massive user base, but the rollout has sparked debates on balancing safety with usability. The company positions this as a defense against being lumped in with traditional social media platforms facing bans.

This initiative affects millions of families worldwide, as Roblox serves as a primary online space for children and teens to play and socialize. Safer segregation could reduce exposure to mature content or predators, but it raises questions about enforcement and appeal processes for misclassified users. What happens next includes the mid-May launch, with ongoing monitoring from regulators and potential expansions if lawsuits progress.

Roblox's timing underscores a broader industry shift toward stricter youth protections. By voluntarily implementing these tiers, the company seeks to mitigate risks from lawsuits and bans, potentially setting a precedent for other gaming platforms. As Baszucki noted in a Bloomberg Tech appearance and Fox News clips, the focus remains on making the platform a secure environment for its youngest players while preserving its appeal.