Roblox exec says ticking a box for age verification is 'not enough anymore'

At a glance:

• Roblox's facial age estimation tech uses video selfies to verify user ages with 1.4-year accuracy
• Users under 16 and under 9 are automatically sorted into restricted Roblox Select and Kids accounts
• Daily user numbers dropped after age verification rollout but company stands by safety commitment

Roblox's new age verification approach

Roblox's vice president of safety product policy, Eliza Jacobs, emphasized that traditional age verification methods are insufficient in today's digital landscape. Speaking with NBC News, Jacobs stated that "ticking a box to say you're 13 or older, it's not enough anymore," highlighting the platform's shift toward more robust verification systems. This change reflects growing concerns about child safety and appropriate content access across online gaming platforms.

The company's facial age estimation technology represents a significant evolution in how digital platforms approach user authentication. Rather than relying solely on self-reported information, Roblox now employs video selfie analysis to create more accurate age profiles for its users. This method aims to prevent younger users from accessing content or features that may not be appropriate for their age group.

How the facial estimation technology works

Roblox's video selfie age check process requires users to submit brief video recordings that are analyzed by the platform's facial recognition algorithms. According to Jacobs, the system can typically determine a user's age within 1.4 years of their exact age, providing a reasonably accurate assessment without requiring extensive personal documentation. NBC News tested this system with a group of children who attempted to circumvent the verification using various methods including fake mustaches, but were unsuccessful in bypassing the age restrictions.

The technology automatically categorizes users into different account types based on their estimated age. Users under 16 years old are placed into Roblox Select accounts, while those under 9 are assigned Kids accounts. These restricted accounts limit access to chat functions and certain types of games that may contain mature content or social interactions deemed inappropriate for younger users.

Impact on user numbers and platform safety

Despite the technological sophistication of the new verification system, Roblox reported a decline in daily active users following the implementation of these age checks in April 2026. This drop suggests that some users may have been deterred by the additional verification requirements or chose to leave the platform rather than comply with the new safety measures. However, Jacobs maintained that the platform has "a long-term vision of safety and civility on the platform that we're building towards that we believe in."

Jacobs acknowledged that not all users are pleased with these changes, stating "It's OK if some people are not always happy about that." This sentiment reflects the broader challenge facing social platforms as they balance user growth with safety responsibilities. The company appears willing to accept short-term user attrition in pursuit of creating a safer environment for its youngest users.

Alternative verification methods available

While video selfie verification serves as the primary method, Roblox offers alternative approaches for users who prefer not to use facial recognition technology. Players can verify their age through government-issued identification documents, providing an option for those concerned about privacy or facial recognition accuracy. Additionally, parents maintain the ability to manually set their child's age group through parental controls, allowing families to override automated assessments when necessary.

These multiple verification pathways demonstrate Roblox's attempt to accommodate different user preferences while maintaining consistent safety standards across its platform. The combination of automated and manual verification options provides flexibility for families with varying comfort levels regarding digital identity confirmation methods.

Industry implications for online safety

Roblox's adoption of facial age estimation technology positions the platform as a leader in proactive child safety measures within the gaming industry. As regulatory pressure increases around protecting minors online, other platforms may follow suit with similar verification requirements. The 1.4-year accuracy rate represents a compromise between privacy concerns and effective age gating.

The technology's deployment comes amid broader discussions about digital identity verification and user privacy rights. While some privacy advocates express concern about facial recognition use on minors, Roblox frames the initiative as necessary for maintaining appropriate content boundaries. The platform's approach may influence how other social gaming environments handle age-appropriate content segmentation.