Roblox has officially rolled out a global facial age check requirement for users who want to access chat features. The feature was initially tested in select regions in early December 2025, and the platform has now expanded it to all areas where chat is available. Users in the United States and other regions are seeing in-app prompts encouraging them to complete the age verification process, with worldwide availability expected within a week.
This initiative makes Roblox the first major online gaming platform to require facial age checks for chat access for users of all ages. The company describes the system as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen communication safety and provide an age-appropriate experience for its community. By implementing this technology, Roblox aims to reduce interactions between children under 16 and adults while supporting safe social engagement among peers.
Age-Based Communication and Parental Controls
The facial age check system enables Roblox to offer age-based chat. Users are grouped according to age, and chat permissions are structured to minimize exposure to inappropriate content. By default, users can interact with others in their age group and in the groups directly above or below. For example, users aged 9 to 12 can chat with peers in the same group, as well as those under 9 or aged 13 to 15.
Parental consent is required for children under 9 to access chat features. Users 13 and older can also use the Trusted Connections feature, which allows them to chat more freely with people they know outside their immediate age group. Roblox is also developing features to help children communicate safely with family members who fall into different age groups. The company emphasizes that age groups may vary depending on region and product, reflecting local safety requirements.
Early Adoption and Global Participation
Roblox reports that tens of millions of daily active users have already completed an age check. In regions like Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, where the feature has been required since early December, more than half of daily active users have completed the process. The company sees this early adoption as a sign that users are willing to participate in safety-focused features when the benefits are clearly explained.
Privacy and Layered Safety Measures
Roblox emphasizes that privacy is central to its age verification system. Images and video used for age estimation are deleted immediately after secure processing and are not stored on the platform.
The age check is one part of a larger multilayered safety system. Roblox does not allow image sharing through chat and employs automated systems to block attempts to share personally identifiable information between users who are not Trusted Connections. Content filters and moderation tools are designed to proactively prevent exposure to harmful material. While the company acknowledges that no system is completely foolproof, it continues to invest in detection, reporting, and user education to mitigate risks.
Accuracy and Appeals Process
The facial age estimation technology used by Roblox’s vendor, Persona, has been certified by independent laboratories. Testing by the U.K.’s Age Check Certification Scheme found that the models achieve a mean absolute error of 1.4 years for users under 18.
Roblox has also implemented an appeals system and alternative verification methods for users whose age checks may be inaccurate. Users can verify their age with official ID or parental controls. The platform monitors behavior to detect potential discrepancies and may request users to repeat the age verification if needed. These redundant checks are part of Roblox’s effort to maintain an accurate and safe system for all users.
Transparency and Future Plans
Roblox has emphasized transparency during the rollout, initially offering a voluntary age-check period with prompts explaining the benefits of age-based chat. The company plans to expand age checks to additional features in the coming months, including real-time collaboration tools in Roblox Studio and updated community guidelines.
The rollout reflects a broader trend in online gaming and web3-adjacent platforms toward improved age assurance, privacy, and child safety. Users can learn more about completing the age check and Roblox’s safety measures through the Roblox Safety Center and Help Center.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Roblox’s facial age check?
Roblox’s facial age check is a system that verifies a user’s age using facial recognition technology. It is required for all users who want to access chat features.
Why does Roblox require age verification for chat?
The age check helps create a safer environment by enabling age-based chat, limiting interactions between children under 16 and adults, and promoting age-appropriate communication.
How does age-based chat work?
Users are grouped by age, and chat permissions allow interaction with peers in the same group and the groups directly above or below. Users 13 and older can also use Trusted Connections to chat with known users outside their age group.
Is the facial age check private?
Yes. All images and video used for age verification are securely processed and deleted immediately. Roblox emphasizes privacy alongside safety.
What happens if the age check is inaccurate?
Users can appeal the result and verify their age using alternative methods, such as ID verification or parental controls. Roblox may also request a repeat age check if user behavior suggests a discrepancy.
Will age checks be required for other Roblox features?
Yes. Roblox plans to require age checks for creators using real-time collaboration in Roblox Studio and may update community policies to include additional safety measures.
Where can I learn more about Roblox safety and age checks?
Information is available through the Roblox Safety Center and Help Center, which provide guidance on completing the age check and understanding the platform’s safety systems.
