Roblox introduces age-based accounts in major child safety overhaul

Roblox has recently faced increasing global scrutiny over concerns related to child safety, inappropriate content, and data privacy risks. In response to growing pressure from governments and regulators, several countries including China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, and North Korea have reportedly restricted or blocked access to the platform due to these issues.

To address these concerns, Roblox has introduced new age-based account systems aimed at improving online safety for younger users. Under the updated structure, children aged 5 to 8 will be placed into “Roblox Kids” accounts, while users aged 9 to 15 will be assigned to “Roblox Select” accounts. These changes will begin rolling out in early June following verification through age checks or parental confirmation.

According to Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman, the platform will also enforce stricter content standards, ensuring that only appropriate experiences appear within each age category. Content for younger users will undergo a rigorous three-step review process, with tighter eligibility requirements for creators.

As part of the safety adjustments, chat functionality will remain disabled by default for “Kids” accounts and will be gradually introduced in “Select” accounts depending on age and safety readiness. Developers will also be required to complete identity verification, enable two-factor authentication, and maintain an active subscription to meet platform standards.

In addition, Roblox has launched a new subscription service priced at $4.99 per month, offering in-game discounts, avatar benefits, and additional platform features. The company says these combined measures are intended to strengthen safety protections while maintaining an engaging experience for its global user base.