TL;DR
Roblox is prompting users to complete an age-estimation process before they can use chat features across regions where chat is available. The system uses facial-scan technology from Persona, allows appeals via ID verification, and lets parents update a child’s age through parental controls.
What happened
Roblox has begun enforcing a previously announced requirement that users complete an age-estimation check to use the platform’s chat. The policy, announced in November 2025 and piloted in December in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands, is being expanded to all regions where chat is offered. The company uses a facial-scan age-estimation system built on technology from Persona; users who disagree with the outcome can appeal by submitting ID verification. Parents can also set or update a child’s age using parental controls. Once an account’s age is set, Roblox places the user into an age group and, by default, allows chatting with people in the same group and the groups directly above and below; users under nine must have parental consent to use chat. Roblox says tens of millions of daily active users have already completed the check and that pilot-region completion rates exceeded 50 percent.
Why it matters
- It changes access to a core social feature on a platform with tens of millions of daily users, altering how people will be able to communicate.
- The use of facial-scan age estimation raises questions about privacy and how biometric data is handled.
- Age-based chat grouping and parental controls aim to limit younger users’ exposure to older users, tying safety policy to verification.
- The move follows legal scrutiny of the platform: multiple states filed lawsuits last year over child-safety issues.
Key facts
- Roblox announced the age-estimation requirement in November 2025.
- A December pilot required checks in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
- The company says the requirement is expanding to all regions where chat is available.
- Age checks rely on facial-scan technology from Persona.
- Users can appeal an age-estimation result by completing ID verification.
- Parents can update a child’s age through Roblox parental controls.
- Users are grouped by age; by default each group can chat with the groups directly above and below it.
- Users younger than nine must have parental consent to use chat.
- Roblox reports tens of millions of daily active users have completed an age check.
- In the three pilot countries, more than 50% of daily active users completed the process.
What to watch next
- Whether regulators or privacy advocates will challenge or review the facial-scan age-estimation practice — not confirmed in the source.
- How often users appeal age-estimation results and the workload for ID verification — not confirmed in the source.
- Completion and compliance rates in regions beyond the initial pilots, and any changes to chat availability based on uptake — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Age estimation: A process that uses automated methods to estimate a person’s age, often from biometric inputs, to determine access or eligibility.
- Facial scan: A biometric technique that analyzes facial features to support identification or, in this context, to estimate age.
- ID verification: The process of confirming someone’s age or identity by checking government-issued identification documents.
- Parental controls: Settings that allow a parent or guardian to manage and restrict a child’s account features and permissions.
- Persona: A third-party technology provider used for identity and age-verification services; cited as the vendor for Roblox’s facial-scan age checks.
Reader FAQ
Do I have to complete an age check to use Roblox chat?
Yes — Roblox is prompting users to complete an age-estimation check in all regions where chat is available.
How does Roblox’s age check work?
Roblox uses a facial-scan age-estimation system from Persona; users can appeal results by completing ID verification and parents can update age via parental controls.
Can children under nine use chat?
Users younger than nine must have parental consent to use chat.
Has Roblox completed the rollout worldwide?
Roblox says the check is being prompted in all regions where chat is available; details about countries without chat or remaining exceptions are not confirmed in the source.
How will Roblox store or protect biometric data from facial scans?
Not confirmed in the source.
NEWS ENTERTAINMENT GAMING Roblox now requires an age check if you want to chat After a user’s age has been verified, they’ll be able to chat with others in similar…
Sources
- Roblox now requires an age check if you want to chat
- A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to …
- Roblox Requires Users Worldwide to Age-Check to Access …
- Roblox Requires Age Checks for Communication, …
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