Roblox players are upset about the new age verification feature. Originally revealed in November, Roblox now introduces an age verification requirement for video chatting with other players. Although it was already a controversial move, Roblox users are now sharing the problems they are 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 to ensure the safety of children while playing games on Roblox. But now that the feature is being rolled out, many players are not happy.
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Roblox players share issues with age verification and chat limits
In November, Roblox announced a new age verification requirement for chatting with other players, and that system is now starting to roll out in some areas. It didn't take long for players to start experiencing problems with it, both from the basic principles of how it groups users to age verification not working properly. Users have flooded Roblox subreddit to share their complaints and problems they have.
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 trying to verify must record themselves from the front view and look left and right, after which the system tries to classify their age. However, many users have indicated that the new automatic system for estimating a user's age is not working correctly for them or their friends, resulting in them being classified as younger than they are. Others have expressed frustration at having 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 chat are now unexpectedly limited in who they can communicate with outside of trusted connections.
That said, some players have also found fault with the way the age system is categorized and restricted. When Roblox tries to verify the user's age, it places them into one of six groups, all of which are restricted in who they can chat with. For example, those under the age of 9 can only chat with other users who are 13 or younger, while 13-15 year olds can only chat with 9-17 year olds, and so on. Adults over 21 cannot talk to anyone who is not estimated to be 18 or older. In some cases, this means that players who previously communicated openly with other players now find that the chat is completely silent due to their new age rating.
Roblox Age Rating Chat Restrictions
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Under 9 – Users can communicate with users under 13
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9-12 years – Users can communicate with users under the age of 16
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13-15 years old – Users can communicate with users aged 9-17 years
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16-17 years old – Users can communicate with people between 13-20 years old
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18-20 years – Users cannot communicate with users under the age of 16
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Over 21 – Users cannot communicate with anyone under 18
Additionally, there are those who simply worry about security and don't want to have to share live video of their faces in order to use the chat. With online security breaches and leaks happening all the time, some have expressed concern about the whole process. Outspoken players have pointed to concerns that their face would be leaked if the videos somehow got out. Roblox assures users when they upload their clips that they will be immediately deleted upon verification, but that doesn't seem to have convinced all players completely.
Based on player reactions so far, this appears to be an imperfect solution to an ongoing problem. Roblox has come under scrutiny in the past as parents and lawmakers have raised concerns about the safety of children on the platform. There have been several lawsuits against Roblox only in 2025, with two of the most notable being the Texas Attorney General suing the game over child safety concerns, and a family suing a 13-year-old Roblox the player was kidnapped, reportedly by a 37-year-old Roblox users who had convinced the victim that they were a teenager. Roblox is undoubtedly in a tough spot, as it has to ensure and prove that kids can be safe on its platform without frustrating and driving away the player base.
At the moment, this new age verification system has not been rolled out to everyone, with a planned global launch in January 2026. In other words, there is still time for Roblox to make adjustments to the system. However, it seems unlikely that it will completely scrap these plans, so it remains to be seen what the overall impact on the game and its player base will be starting next year.
- Released
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September 1, 2006
- ESRB
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Teen / Diverse Content: Discretion Recommended, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), User Interact
- Developer
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Roblox Corporation
- Publisher
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Roblox Corporation
