Roblox’s New Age Verification Curbs Chat as Children Stage In‑Game Protests and Influencer Reports Threats

Overview

• Access to chat features now requires in‑app age verification, which uses facial validation or alternatives and deletes submitted images after analysis, while basic gameplay remains available without verification.
• Accounts are assigned to six age brackets, chat is off by default for users under 9 and requires a guardian’s approval to enable, and cross‑age communication is limited, with a Trusted Connections option for certain teen‑to‑adult contacts.
• Roblox says the policy was piloted in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands in December 2025 and has been rolled out globally this month.
• Players organized demonstrations inside Roblox using virtual signs and scenes, and images of misspelled placards and cultural references spread widely on social media.
• Influencer Felca shared messages showing harassment and death threats from users blaming him for the restrictions, though he has no formal role in Roblox’s policy decisions.