Roblox introduces ‘Kids’ and ‘Select’ accounts for age-appropriate access togames and chat

Roblox is launching 'Kids' and 'Select' accounts for age-appropriate access to games and chat, mandating age checks for users. Kids (5-9) will access mild content, while Select (9-15) can chat and play moderate-rated games. This change follows safety concerns and lawsuits about child safety on the platform, with rollouts starting June 2023.

Key Points

• Roblox introduces two new account types: 'Roblox Kids' for ages 5-9 and 'Roblox Select' for ages 9-15.
• Mandatory age checks implemented in January 2023 are used for account assignments.
• Children with Kids accounts have limited access to games rated 'Minimal' or 'Mild', while those with Select accounts access 'Moderate' games.
• Chat features are disabled for Kids accounts and can only be enabled by parent approval.
• The changes respond to lawsuits alleging exposure to risks like grooming and explicit content.

Relevance

• This change aligns with ongoing trends in the tech industry focusing on user safety, particularly for children, which has been a growing concern.
• Regulations on tech platforms are increasing, reflecting societal calls for better protections for minors online.
• Similar safety measures have been seen across other platforms and games, emphasizing accountability for youth safety.

Roblox's introduction of age-specific accounts highlights an important shift toward enhanced safety for younger users, addressing previous concerns and regulatory pressures in the industry.