A US consumer rights group is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch an investigation into popular online gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns over child safety and deceptive spending practices. The complaint, filed on behalf of various consumer advocacy groups, alleges that Roblox has failed to provide adequate protections for its young users, many of whom are under the age of 13. This has led to claims of children being exposed to explicit content, as well as being encouraged to make in-game purchases without proper parental consent.
The complaint also highlights instances of children spending large sums of money on the platform, with some cases reportedly involving thousands of dollars. Roblox, which boasts over 202 million monthly active users, has faced criticism in the past over its handling of child safety and spending issues. The company has implemented various measures aimed at improving user safety, including the use of human moderators and AI-powered content filtering tools.
Despite these efforts, concerns over child safety and spending practices on the platform persist. The FTC has yet to comment on the complaint, but if an investigation is launched, it could have significant implications for Roblox and the wider online gaming industry. As regulators increasingly focus on protecting children in the digital sphere, companies like Roblox will be under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to user safety and responsible business practices.
Original news story via BBC.