Roblox rolls out mandatory age verification for chat features globally

• Global Rollout: Roblox has expanded mandatory facial verification for chat features globally, following initial testing in select markets in December ('TechCrunch', 'Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24', 'Gadgets 360').
• Verification Method: Users must open the Roblox app, grant camera access, and follow on-screen instructions for facial verification. Alternatively, users 13 and older can use ID verification ('TechCrunch', 'Gadgets 360').
• Third-Party Processor: The verification is handled by Persona, a third-party vendor. Both Roblox and Persona claim to delete images and videos immediately after processing ('TechCrunch', 'Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24', 'Gadgets 360').
• Purpose: This measure aims to increase communication safety, prevent contact between adults and children under 16, and provide age-appropriate experiences ('Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24', 'Gadgets 360').

• Age-Based Chat: Verified users are assigned to six age groups (under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, 21+). Users can primarily chat with those in their own group and directly adjacent groups ('TechCrunch', 'Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24', 'Gadgets 360').
• Consent for Young Children: Chat is disabled by default for children under 9 unless parental consent is provided after an age check ('TechCrunch', 'Gadgets 360').
• Correction Mechanisms: Users can appeal incorrect age estimations via customer support, use alternative verification methods, or update age through parental controls ('TechCrunch', 'Gadgets 360').
• Ongoing Monitoring: Roblox will monitor user behavior and may prompt users to repeat the age-check process if activity suggests a significant age discrepancy ('TechCrunch', 'Gadgets 360').

Focus areas by different sources:

• Roblox/Company Perspective: The company asserts that privacy is 'paramount' and that images/recordings are deleted immediately after processing ('Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24', 'Gadgets 360'). They view this as a 'golden standard of communication safety' ('Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24') and a crucial part of a broader safety framework ('Gadgets 360').
• Privacy Advocates/Experts: Concerns are raised about the privacy implications of collecting sensitive personal data (facial scans, ID documents) by a gaming platform ('TechRadar'). Experts criticize current methods, highlighting the risk of data breaches and exposure of real-world identities, referencing past incidents like Discord's data breach ('TechRadar').
• Legal Context: The mandatory age checks come amidst a 'wave of lawsuits and investigations' from attorneys general in states like Texas and Louisiana, focusing on child safety concerns and risks like grooming and explicit content ('TechCrunch', 'Najnowsze wiadomości - TVN24').