Roblox sued by Los Angeles over claims platform makes children easy prey for pedophiles'

"In a lawsuit, Los Angeles County said the company does not carry out adequate moderation and its age-verification systems are not fit for purpose. Roblox portrays its platform as a safe and appropriate place for children to play, reads the complaint, from the LA County Counsel's office for public nuisance and violations of California's false advertising law. In reality, and as Roblox well knows, the design of its platform makes children easy prey for pedophiles."

"This lawsuit is about protecting children from online predators and inappropriate content, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors chair Hilda Solis said. Roblox has a responsibility to keep kids safe but instead it has allowed its platform to become a place where children can be exposed to grooming and exploitation. Roblox says it has about 144 million active users every day around the world, with more than 40% of them under 13 years old."

"Users create, share and play various games and other experiences, chatting to each other and using customisable avatars. While it is free to use, players can purchase a virtual currency that allows them to buy specific upgrades. The firm has long faced accusations that it is not doing enough to protect children from violent and sexual content. A 2024 report by Hindenburg Research described it as an X-rated pedophile hellscape that exposed children to grooming and pornography."

Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit alleging Roblox fails to provide adequate moderation and that age-verification systems are ineffective, exposing children to sexual content and predators. The complaint states the platform’s design and user interactions make children vulnerable to grooming and exploitation. Roblox reports about 144 million daily active users, with over 40% under 13, and offers user-generated games, chat, customizable avatars, and purchasable virtual currency. The company has faced ongoing criticism and investigative reports accusing it of insufficient child protection, and governments and regulators have sought urgent discussions about platform safety.

Read at www.theguardian.com