Roblox (online platform and game-creating system) has just announced a new age-based account system, expected to be deployed globally from June 2026. This is considered a major step to strengthen the protection of children and teenagers on this online game platform cum social network.
According to an announcement from Roblox, users under 9 years old will be classified into the Roblox Kids account, while groups from 9-15 years old use the Roblox Select account.
The classification is based on age verification technology, including facial estimation or identity verification, similar to existing chat systems.
These accounts will automatically apply different levels of protection. Displayed game content must go through a multi-step screening process, including content censorship, developer verification, and platform usage evaluation.
With the Roblox Kids account (5 - 8 years old), only suitable games under 9 years old are displayed. The chat feature is turned off by default and the interface is designed specifically for parents to easily recognize.
Meanwhile, Roblox Select (9 - 15 years old) allows access to mid-level games. Users can chat but only with "Reliable Friends" or people of the same age group.
When they reach the age of 16, the account will switch to standard mode, unlocking all features, except for limited content for people aged 18 and over.
In addition, Roblox also adds a parental control tool, allowing blocking specific games to increase oversight.
This move is seen as Roblox's strongest response to prolonged criticism from parents and regulators about the level of platform safety.
In the context of countries increasingly tightening age regulations on the internet, Roblox has mandatorily verified the age of users who want to use the communication feature from January 2026. The company said that more than 50% of daily active users have completed verification.
However, the application of this technology is also controversial. Many experts are concerned about the risks related to privacy and accuracy of facial recognition tools.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (a non-profit organization based in the US) once warned that age estimation methods may be inaccurate, especially for vulnerable users.
Even in March 2026, more than 370 global researchers signed an open letter calling for a temporary halt to the implementation of age verification tools until there is sufficient scientific evidence of benefits and risks.
To ensure safety, all games on Roblox must go through three censorship steps. The first is to verify the identity of the developer, especially for people under 16 years old.
Next, the real-time automated censorship system will evaluate content based on many factors.
Finally, the game must meet specific criteria on age and content to be distributed to young users.
Sensitive, highly socialized content or content that allows free interaction will be removed from the Kids and Select accounts.
