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Roblox Age Verification Fails to Protect Kids

9to5Mac •
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Roblox is facing backlash as its new AI-powered age verification system fails to protect children. The platform recently began requiring users, some as young as nine, to submit video selfies. This move followed criticism over child safety, but the rollout appears to be backfiring, creating frustration for players, parents, and developers alike.

Reports describe the process as a complete mess, with the AI frequently misidentifying ages. Predators can easily buy age-verified accounts for as little as $4 on eBay, completely undermining the system's purpose. Roblox’s chief safety officer called these issues expected 'teething problems' for such a massive undertaking, but the flaws leave young users exposed.

The controversy fuels the ongoing debate about platform responsibility. While Roblox scrambles to fix its flawed verification, parents and experts are questioning the effectiveness of these automated systems. The situation highlights a broader industry struggle: balancing user privacy with the urgent need for genuine safety measures on platforms popular with children.