((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
Video game maker Roblox
RBLX.N said on Monday it was implementing security measures to prevent users under 13 from directly sending messages to other people without their parents’ consent.
The gaming platform, which recorded around 89 million users last quarter, said it would allow parents and caregivers to remotely manage their child’s Roblox account, view friend lists, control expenses and manage screen time.
Roblox has faced accusations of child abuse on its platform.
In August, Turkey blocked access to Roblox following a court ruling, with prosecutors investigating concerns that user-generated content could lead to abuse.
A 2022 San Francisco lawsuit claims Roblox facilitated the sexual and financial exploitation of a California girl by adult men, who allegedly encouraged her to drink, abuse prescription drugs and share sexual photos explicit.
The company said it has also introduced a built-in setting that will allow users under 13 to access public broadcast messages only in games or experiences.
Roblox will replace age-based content labels with descriptors ranging from “Minimal” to “Restricted,” indicating the type of content users can expect. By default, users under the age of nine can only access games labeled “Minimal” or “Mild”
These new restrictions will also prevent users under the age of 13 from searching for, discovering, or playing unlabeled experiences, the company said.
Restricted content will remain inaccessible until the user is at least 17 years old and has verified their age.
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