"Roblox is played daily by 152 million people worldwide. One notable detail: nearly 40% of the users on this video game platform are under 13, enjoying interactive environments like Brookhaven or Grow a Garden. But they also share this virtual playground with adults who aren't required to verify their identity to participate. Kids who have been taught not to talk to strangers on the street are playing and chatting on Roblox with adults from anywhere in the world without even knowing it."
"As the platform's popularity has grown in recent years, so have the problems: adults using it to harass minors, bullying among peers, exposure to violent content, and cases of addiction or scams involving its virtual currency, Robux. The company has responded with measures like facial recognition for users, but it continues to face criticism from parents, doctors, and prosecutors, who accuse it of not doing enough to protect children."
"The platform has been in the spotlight since August, when it canceled the accounts of several vigilantes in the U.S. volunteers who patrolled games to detect potential harassment and alert authorities to security gaps. Roblox justified the blocks, saying the accounts had started impersonating children and actively sought to connect with adult users, which violates its terms of service. Amid the controversy, the company has been sued by several U.S. prosecutors, including in Texas, where it is headquartered. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Roblox of profiting from a digital playground that conceals predators and a manipulative psychological design behind a facade of family fun.' This is on top of the other accusations in Florida, Louisiana, and Kentucky, as well as lawsuits from private individuals."
152 million people play Roblox daily, and nearly 40% of users are under 13, using interactive games like Brookhaven and Grow a Garden. Adults can join without identity verification, allowing minors to interact and chat with unknown adults. Reported harms include adults harassing minors, peer bullying, exposure to violent content, addiction, and scams involving Robux. Roblox has implemented measures such as facial recognition and account moderation. The company faces criticism from parents, doctors, and prosecutors, multiple U.S. attorney general lawsuits, and private legal claims, including allegations tied to off-platform contact and a child suicide.
Read at english.elpais.com
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