Teens Must Verify Age To Access Roblox’s New Private Chat Feature

Roblox is rolling out a new age verification process to allow teenage users who want to access private and unfiltered chat functions.

The move is part of the company’s new “Trusted Connections” system, which replaces the old “Friends” feature and allows users with unrestricted chat as long as they prove they are over 13, as first reported by The Verge.

To gain access, users must choose between taking a video selfie for age estimation through facial recognition, or uploading their government-issued identification. The facial scan tool, operated by Persona, uses AI to verify user ages and deletes biometric data after 30 days, unless legal requirements demand its retention.

“If the system is not able to estimate the user’s age with high confidence, then the user’s age will remain unconfirmed and the user won’t be able to access Trusted Connections,” said Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman, as reported by The Verge.

Teens aged 13 and 17 can connect with peers without restrictions, but must verify their relationships with adults (18+) through Trusted Connections. They can do this only if they have met in real life. The Verge reports that in order to do this, users need to verify their connections to the adult through a QR code scan or by using Roblox’s Contact Importer feature.

The update also follows legal pressure for stronger age checks. “Features that we really believe are something that should be limited to an older audience — 13 and over,” said Kaufman, explaining the reason behind the new requirement, as reported by CNBC. Ryan Ebanks, Roblox’s social products manager, added, “confirm[ing] the age of our users” helps offer “tailored and age-appropriate features.”

While users can chat more freely with Trusted Connections, Roblox will continue to monitor conversations for “critical harm,” including grooming and inappropriate sexual behavior, despite offering users more free chat capabilities, as noted by CNBC. The company implemented new privacy tools that include Do Not Disturb mode, online status controls, and teen-driven screen time limits.