TL;DR
Roblox has begun requiring children as young as nine to submit short video selfies as part of a new age-verification system, rolled out globally after a partial launch. The company says video selfies are used alongside ID checks and parental consent, are only needed for chat access, and are deleted after verification.
What happened
Roblox has implemented an age-verification process that can require users as young as nine to submit a video selfie. The measure follows a partial rollout in November and, according to the company, is now being expanded globally with users expected to see the change within a week. The verification system combines facial age-estimation technology, identity-document checks, and verified parental consent to place accounts into one of six age brackets — from 9 and under up to 21 and older. The company says the video-selfie option will be the primary route for most children who lack government photo ID. Verified or estimated ages will be used to limit communications in in-game chat, restricting contact between minors and adults unless they are identified as known contacts in the real world. Roblox has said video selfies are required only to access chat features and will be deleted once the checks are completed.
Why it matters
- Expands the number of apps collecting biometric data from minors, raising privacy and data-protection concerns.
- Affects how children can interact in Roblox — chat connections will be restricted based on verified age groups.
- Adds pressure on platform owners and regulators to clarify who should handle age verification across app ecosystems.
- Sets a precedent for other social and gaming services facing scrutiny over child safety and moderation.
Key facts
- Roblox can require video selfies from users as young as nine for age verification.
- The system combines facial age-estimation technology, ID age verification, and verified parental consent.
- Video selfies are reportedly required only for access to chat features and are deleted after checks.
- Accounts are assigned to one of six age groups, from 9 and under up to 21 and older.
- Verified ages will be used to limit communication between minors and adults unless they are known to each other offline.
- The requirement began a partial launch in November and is being rolled out globally; the company said users would see the update within a week.
- Roblox first enforced the updated policy in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands before wider expansion.
- Most children are likely to use the video-selfie option because many do not possess government-issued photo ID.
What to watch next
- Whether app-store operators or regulators move to centralize age verification or mandate standards (not confirmed in the source).
- Further disclosures from Roblox about how video data is processed, retained, audited and deleted beyond the company’s deletion claim (not confirmed in the source).
- Parental and user responses to the rollout, including adoption rates and any legal challenges or policy complaints (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Facial age estimation: A biometric technique that analyzes facial features in images or video to estimate a person’s age range.
- Verified parental consent: A process that confirms a parent or guardian has approved a minor’s account or online activity, often using identity checks.
- ID age verification: A method for confirming a user’s age by checking a government-issued identity document against the claimed age.
- App store: A digital distribution platform run by a company (such as Apple or Google) that offers software apps for download on devices.
Reader FAQ
Who must submit a video selfie?
Roblox may require video selfies from users as young as nine when they seek access to chat features.
Will the video selfies be stored permanently?
Roblox says the video selfies are deleted after the age checks are completed.
Is this verification required across all countries now?
The company started enforcement in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands and has said it is expanding globally; a partial launch occurred in November.
Will app stores handle age verification instead of developers?
Not confirmed in the source.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 PRIVACY APP STORE ROBLOX Roblox requiring 9yo kids to submit a video selfie…
Sources
- Roblox requiring 9yo kids to submit a video selfie for age verification [U: Global]
- Roblox Requires Age Checks for Communication, …
- Understanding Age Checks on Roblox
- Roblox steps up age checks and groups younger users …
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