Roblox has released a comprehensive statement refuting what it terms “erroneous claims” and “misconceptions,” as it faces increasing scrutiny from legislators and a new lawsuit from Louisiana. However, indications suggest this lawsuit is merely the start of extensive legal challenges, as the platform is widely accused of failing to safeguard its predominantly young user base.
Roblox is an immensely popular platform where users create games, including titles like Dress to Impress (which recently collaborated with Lady Gaga), Grow a Garden, and Brookhaven. It boasts tens of millions of daily active users, with estimates ranging from 82 to 111 million. Notably, nearly 40% of its users are children under 13, leading to significant criticism and numerous reports, including a major Bloomberg investigation last year, suggesting the platform inadequately protects minors.
On August 15, shortly after California Congressman Ro Khanna criticized Roblox for “simply not doing enough to protect our kids, to inform parents, and to go after child predators,” Louisiana initiated a lawsuit against the company. Filed in the 21st Judicial District, the suit claims Roblox:
- Has facilitated and continues to facilitate the dissemination of child sexual abuse material and the sexual exploitation of children in Louisiana.
- Knowingly and intentionally neglects to implement fundamental safety measures to shield child users from predators.
- Knowingly and intentionally fails to inform parents and child users about the platform`s inherent dangers.
Last October, Roblox introduced “parent accounts,” enabling guardians to manage their child’s profile, including blocking contacts. Yet, a recent petition, comments from politicians such as Congressman Khanna, and the Louisiana lawsuit all indicate these measures are insufficient.
According to an August 18 Wired report, numerous law firms across the U.S. intend to initiate “a flood of lawsuits” against Roblox. These lawsuits represent clients who allege the platform facilitated the sexual exploitation and grooming of their children. Attorney Matt Dolman of Dolman Law Group told Wired his firm is handling “about 300 such cases” and anticipates over 1,000 lawsuits by this time next year. Dolman noted that most of his Roblox clients are under 16, with over half being young girls.
Several lawsuits are already pending against Roblox, including a case filed in Alabama this past July. This suit stems from an incident where a 14-year-old girl allegedly encountered a predator on Roblox, communicated via Discord, and was subsequently abducted and assaulted. Both Roblox and Discord are named as defendants in this legal action.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated, accompanying the lawsuit filing: “Roblox’s inadequate safety protocols jeopardize the children of Louisiana. The platform is inundated with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. Parents must recognize the immediate danger Roblox poses to their children to prevent horrific incidents in their homes.”
On the same day, Roblox published a detailed statement on its website. While noting its usual policy of not discussing ongoing litigation, the company explained it wanted to “address erroneous claims and misconceptions about our platform, our commitment to safety, and our overall safety track record.”
The statement highlights Roblox’s safety features, which it claims are “constantly innovating,” alongside its “industry-leading stance on age-based communication,” a “suite of easy-to-use parental controls,” and collaborations with law enforcement, all presented as evidence of its commitment to child safety.
The statement concludes, “Our objective is to cultivate one of the safest online environments for users—a goal fundamental to our founding values and, contrary to some claims, vital for our long-term success. We acknowledge that continuous improvement is necessary and are dedicated to ensuring Roblox remains a safe and positive space for all users.”
Dolman informed Wired that “a working group” of attorneys from various law firms has already engaged with clients who accuse Roblox of failing to adequately protect their children.