Roblox Introduces Kids and Select Accounts with Enhanced Age Controls
Roblox has launched new account types—Roblox Kids and Roblox Select—aimed at enhancing age-based controls for younger users. These accounts come with stricter default settings, including the disabling of chat for Roblox Kids accounts. Users who haven't completed an age verification cannot access chat features, regardless of their actual age. Parents are given tools to manage chat settings, designate trusted friends, control game access, and set spending limits through parental controls.
The Roblox Kids accounts are specifically designed for younger children, enforcing the strictest restrictions on content and features. In contrast, Roblox Select accounts cater to older children and younger teens, allowing them access to a wider range of age-appropriate content and gradually expanding chat features. To qualify for inclusion in the Kids and Select game catalogues, experiences must pass additional reviews that go beyond the standard moderation processes.
Developers aiming to feature their content in these categories must complete ID verification, enable two-factor authentication, and either subscribe to Roblox or pay a refundable publishing fee. Furthermore, Roblox excludes any experiences that involve social hangouts, free-form drawing tools, or sensitive topics from these catalogues.
The company has also implemented stricter chat requirements. Users must complete an age verification process to unlock chat features, while accounts belonging to users aged 16 and older necessitate verification through ID checks or facial age estimation. For parents linking their accounts to their children's profiles, they can manage chat permissions, approve trusted friends, block specific games, review friend lists, and set limits on screen time and spending. Roblox noted that while parental oversight decreases as children age, visibility tools remain in place to keep parents informed.
Why it matters
Earlier this month, Roblox discussed its ambitions in the Middle East and its engagement with regional regulators as it prepares for its 2030 priorities.
Original source
PocketGamer.biz
