Roblox's New Age Check Policy: A Step Towards Safer Online Communication
By Matt Kaufman, Chief Safety Officer, and Rajiv Bhatia, Vice President, Head of User and Discovery Product
Published Jan 7, 2026
Roblox is taking a bold step towards a safer online environment for its users with the global rollout of its age check requirement for in-app chat. This new policy, which was initially introduced in select regions in early December, is now expanding to all regions where chat is available.
The age check requirement is a significant addition to Roblox's safety measures, setting a new standard in online gaming platforms. It enables age-based chat, ensuring that users of all ages have a positive and age-appropriate experience while limiting communication between adults and children under 16. This approach has already shown strong momentum, with tens of millions of daily active users completing the age check, and over 50% of users in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands completing it since its introduction.
The Foundation of Age Estimation
Roblox's commitment to user privacy and safety is evident in its approach to age estimation. The company is sharing insights and findings to support the industry, emphasizing the importance of privacy. Images and videos used for facial age estimation are deleted immediately after secure processing, ensuring user data is protected.
Roblox's multilayered safety approach includes age checks, strict policies, and community standards. The platform has never allowed image sharing through chat and uses systems to block the exchange of personally identifiable information between non-Trusted Connections. Advanced filters are in place to detect and remove content that violates community standards, aiming to prevent problematic content before it reaches users.
Designing for Accuracy and Transparency
The age check process is designed for accuracy, utilizing technology from Persona, a vendor whose methods have been tested and certified by third-party laboratories. The age estimation models achieved a high level of accuracy, with a Mean Absolute Error of 1.4 years for users under 18, as per the Age Check Certification Scheme in the U.K. Roblox also prioritizes transparency, explaining the benefits of age-based systems to encourage user adoption.
Roblox's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its voluntary age-check period, which includes prompts explaining the benefits to users. The company is also focused on providing an accurate and fair process, with customer support systems and appeal processes in place for users to report inaccuracies. Users can verify their age using alternative methods, such as ID verification or parental controls, and Roblox continuously evaluates user behavior to ensure the system's integrity.
Looking Ahead
The global rollout of the age check requirement is a significant milestone for Roblox. The company plans to expand its safety measures further, including requiring age checks for creators to access real-time collaboration features in Roblox Studio and updating policies around Roblox communities. This comprehensive approach to safety is a testament to Roblox's dedication to creating a secure and positive online environment for its users.
For more information on Roblox's multilayered safety approach and the age check process, visit the Roblox Safety Center and Help Center. Additionally, the latest 'Tech Talks' podcast explores the technology and philosophy behind these changes, offering further insights into Roblox's commitment to a safer online experience.
