Roblox, a leading global gaming platform with a significant young user base, has consistently invested in trust and safety measures over the last decade. To further combat abuse and harm, the company is implementing a novel age verification system: `age estimation` via video selfie analysis.
According to a recent press release, Roblox is restructuring its social features to enhance protection for minors against potentially harmful interactions. This includes the introduction of a new two-tiered `Connections` system, differentiating between standard connections and `Trusted Connections`.
Participants designated as `Trusted Connections` will enjoy unfiltered communication, including unrestricted party and text chat. Nevertheless, achieving `Trusted Connection` status necessitates overcoming several obstacles put in place to mitigate risks such as child exploitation.
Crucially, the `Trusted Connections` feature becomes available only after players verify their age, either by submitting an official ID or utilizing Roblox`s innovative Age Estimation tool. This new tool involves uploading a video selfie, which Roblox processes against a `large and diverse dataset,` as stated in their press release. While the company assures `secure` handling of this data, specific details regarding the privacy and security protocols for video selfies remain undisclosed.
Once age verification is complete, players aged 13-17 can establish `Trusted Connections` among themselves. For minors seeking to connect with players over 18, a real-life relationship must be confirmed, either through a QR code scan or by uploading a contact list. Children under 13 will not be eligible to form these types of connections.
This initiative to enhance the safety of players under 18 follows a turbulent year for Roblox. Despite its platform hosting popular experiences like `Grow a Garden,` which surpassed Fortnite`s record for concurrent players in June, online community researchers consistently highlight Roblox`s vulnerabilities, particularly concerning child safety.