Online child safety campaigners call for US inquiry into Roblox
4 hours ago
- #FTC investigation
- #child safety
- #online platforms
- Child safety campaigners urge FTC investigation into Roblox, alleging design and business model harm children.
- Complaint cites 'engagement-maximizing design,' exposure to sexual content, and monetization of impulse control via Robux currency.
- Roblox hosts millions of users, including young children, with chat features linking different age groups.
- FTC chair Andrew Ferguson has emphasized online child safety concerns in past initiatives.
- Roblox's revenue grew 36% to $4.9bn last year, driven by Robux sales, while creators earned $1.5bn.
- Critics argue Roblox prioritizes profit over safety, despite safeguards like age estimation and detection systems.
- Legal and political backlash against tech platforms grows, with recent cases targeting Meta and YouTube.
- Roblox disputes claims, stating its platform is designed for 'fun and connection' with safeguards in place.
- Company notes chat restrictions: default off for under-nines, voice chat limited to age-verified users 13+.