Roblox Implements Biometric Age Verification for User Safety
Photo: The Verge
Quick answer
Roblox implements biometric age verification via video selfies and AI analysis to categorize users by age groups.
Roblox is rolling out new measures for age verification, moving away from the traditional self-declared method. Vice President of Trust and Safety Eliza Jacobs stated that simply stating one’s age in a profile no longer meets safety requirements. Instead, the company is using AI-powered video selfie analysis, which can determine age with an accuracy of 1.4 years.
Testing showed that attempts to deceive the system with fake accessories were unsuccessful. Users are now categorized into age groups: under 9, under 16, and over 16. Younger age groups face restrictions on chat access and certain types of games. Biometric verification can also be bypassed by verifying age through a government-issued document or parental settings.
In April, Roblox reported a decline in active users following the launch of age verification. However, platform leadership has no plans to abandon the initiative. Jacobs emphasized that the company prioritizes long-term safety and civilized interaction on the platform, even if it causes dissatisfaction among some users.
Common questions
- How does Roblox verify user age?
- The platform uses AI-powered video selfie analysis. Users can also verify age through government-issued documents or parental controls.
- Why did Roblox abandon self-declared age verification?
- The company believes self-declared age does not provide adequate protection for children. The new system more accurately determines age and restricts access to inappropriate content.
- How has age verification impacted Roblox's user numbers?
- After implementing age verification, Roblox reported a decline in active users, but leadership views this as a temporary trade-off for long-term safety.
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