Roblox Age Verification: New Opt-In System for Players & Developers

Roblox Introduces Optional Age Verification System

Roblox is implementing a new, voluntary age verification process for its user base. This system will utilize both an identification document check and a selfie scan. While not universally required for gameplay, verification will become necessary for users seeking early access to the platform’s forthcoming voice chat functionalities, scheduled for release this autumn. Furthermore, the company indicates that developers will have the capability to design future experiences that necessitate identity verification.

Acknowledging a Maturing User Base

This verification system reflects the evolving demographics of Roblox’s user community. The company recently reported that 50% of its users are now over the age of 13. Notably, the 17-24 age group is currently demonstrating the most significant growth within the platform.

Spatial Voice and Phased Rollout

The “Spatial Voice” feature, enabling real-time voice conversations within games, will initially be accessible to a select group of 5,000 developers, all aged 13 or older. They will be able to test the feature in a dedicated Roblox community environment. A broader release to the entire user base will be gradual, contingent upon the development and integration of new moderation tools and safety protocols, as previously stated by the company.

The Two-Stage Verification Process

Age Verification will be implemented in two distinct phases.

• First, users will scan a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or identification card, using the Roblox application.
• The company assures users that the raw ID data will not be stored.

Instead, an anonymized value is created, allowing Roblox to confirm identity without compromising user privacy. The scanned document’s information is compared against a database of thousands of global document formats to ensure its authenticity. Subsequently, a selfie is taken to confirm the user is a live person and not utilizing a pre-existing image. This selfie is then matched with the photograph on the submitted identification document. The entire process is completed within seconds of image capture, according to Roblox.

Industry Context: Identity Verification on Social Platforms

Offering optional identity verification is becoming increasingly common across social media platforms. For instance, Facebook may request identity verification for access to payment services, donations, or profile/page verification. Similarly, Twitter may require identification for account verification purposes. Recently, Tinder also introduced an optional ID verification feature for its members.

Future Implications for Voice Chat Access

In the context of Roblox, age verification is expected to become more prevalent as it is linked to access to new voice-enabled games and experiences. The company has not yet disclosed whether it will introduce alternative age verification methods for voice chat in the future.

Benefits for Developers and the Talent Hub

Roblox notes that developers and creators can leverage verification as a means of establishing trust when seeking collaborators. The verified status may carry similar weight as it does on other social media platforms. This functionality aligns with the launch of Roblox’s Talent Hub, a platform connecting users with job opportunities within the Roblox developer community.

Gradual Rollout and Global Availability

The Age Verification feature is being rolled out incrementally, beginning today, and will be available to all users within the coming weeks. The opt-in feature will be accessible globally to individuals aged 13 and older in over 180 countries, on both desktop and mobile devices.

Roblox’s Vision for a Trusted Platform

“Age Verification represents a significant step forward in our long-term commitment to building a secure, enjoyable, and respectful platform for all,” stated Chris Aston Chen, Senior Product Manager at Roblox. “As part of this commitment, we will continue to explore seamless methods for age verification, always prioritizing user privacy. We will also continue to introduce innovative ways for users to easily and securely manage their identity on the Roblox platform, unlock new social features, and create and enjoy immersive experiences together,” Chen concluded.