Roblox players are up in arms about the new age verification feature. Initially revealed in November, Roblox is now introducing a video age verification requirement to chat with other players. Though it was already a controversial move, Roblox users are now sharing the problems they’re experiencing with it.
Originally launched nearly 20 years ago, Roblox is still going strong with millions of active daily users and billions of registered user accounts. Given that a large percentage of the player population is underage, Roblox has taken steps to try and ensure the safety of children while playing games on Roblox. However, now that the feature is rolling out, many players aren’t happy.
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Roblox Players Share Problems With Age Verification and Chat Limits
In November, Roblox announced a new age check requirement for chatting with other players, and that system is now beginning to roll out in some areas. It didn’t take long for players to start experiencing problems with it, both from the core fundamentals of how it groups users to the age verification not working correctly. Users have flooded the Roblox subreddit to share their complaints and problems they’re having.
Roblox previously used an ID scan and photo to confirm a user’s age, but the new age verification system uses a selfie video. Those attempting to verify need to record themselves from a front view and looking to the left and right, after which the system attempts to classify their age. However, numerous users have indicated that the new automated system for estimating a user’s age isn’t working correctly for them or their friends, which has resulted in them being classified as younger than they are. Others have expressed frustration over being required to use age verification when their accounts are already over ten years old. Unfortunately, this means that some players who have grown accustomed to using the chat are now unexpectedly limited in who they can communicate with outside of trusted connections.
With that said, some players have also found fault with the way the age system is categorized and limited. When Roblox attempts to verify the user’s age, it places them in one of six groups, which are all limited in who they can chat with. For example, those who are under the age of 9 can only talk to other users who are aged 13 or younger, while 13-15 year-olds can only talk to 9-17 year-olds, and so on. Adults over the age of 21 can’t speak to anyone who isn’t estimated to be 18 or older. In some cases, this means that players who used to openly communicate with other players are now finding the chat to be completely silent due to their new age classification.
Roblox Age Estimation Chat Limitations
- Below 9 years old – User can communicate with users under the age of 13
- 9-12 years old – User can communicate with users under the age of 16
- 13-15 years old – User can communicate with users aged 9-17 years old
- 16-17 years old – User can communicate with those between 13-20 years old
- 18-20 years old – User can’t communicate with users under 16
- Above 21 years old – User can’t communicate with anyone under age 18
Additionally, there are those who simply concerned about security and don’t want to have to share live video of their faces in order to use chat. With online security breaches and leaks happening all the time, some have expressed concern about the whole process. Outspoken players have pointed to worries about their face being leaked if the videos got out somehow. Roblox assures users when they upload their clips that they will be immediately deleted upon verifying, but it seems that hasn’t fully convinced all players.
Based on player reactions so far, this seems like an imperfect solution to an ongoing problem. Roblox has been the target of scrutiny in the past as parents and lawmakers have expressed concern over the safety of children on the platform. There have been multiple lawsuits against Roblox just in 2025, with two of the most notable being the Texas Attorney General suing the game due to concerns about child safety, and a family suing after a 13-year-old Roblox player was kidnapped, allegedly by a 37-year-old Roblox user who had convinced the victim they were a teen. Roblox is arguably in a tough spot, as it needs to ensure and prove that kids can be safe on its platform without frustrating and driving away its playerbase.
At the moment, this new age verification system hasn’t rolled out to everyone, with a planned global rollout in January 2026. In other words, there’s still time for Roblox to make adjustments to the system. It seems unlikely that it will completely scrap these plans, however, so it remains to be seen what the overall impact on the game and its playerbase will be starting next year.
- Released
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September 1, 2006
- ESRB
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Teen / Diverse Content: Discretion Advised,
In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact - Developer(s)
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Roblox Corporation
- Publisher(s)
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Roblox Corporation
