Roblox’s CEO, Dave Baszucki, recently addressed growing concerns over the platform’s safety, urging parents who are uncomfortable with the platform’s content to keep their children off it. The platform, immensely popular among young gamers, particularly those aged eight to twelve, has faced criticism for exposing children to inappropriate content, bullying, and grooming. Despite these concerns, Baszucki assures users that Roblox is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for millions of players.
The Challenge of Balancing Safety with Fun
Roblox, headquartered in the United States, has quickly become one of the largest gaming platforms in the world. It now surpasses both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation in terms of monthly active users. In 2024, Roblox had over 80 million daily players, with nearly 40% of them under the age of 13.
Despite the platform’s success, concerns about children’s safety online have grown. The UK’s Online Safety Act, effective in April, requires stricter regulations for tech companies to protect children. Baszucki emphasized that Roblox takes safety seriously, even with these challenges.
Roblox’s Safety Features and Efforts
In response to safety concerns, Roblox has implemented several protective measures. The platform uses AI and human moderators to monitor for bullying, harassment, and inappropriate content. Players who break the rules face penalties, including temporary suspensions or permanent bans.
“Even one bad incident is too many for us,” Baszucki stated. The company is also working to improve safety for younger players. For example, in November 2024, Roblox restricted under-13 users from sending direct messages or joining chat-heavy experiences.
Safety Filters: Are They Enough?
An internal investigation revealed some vulnerabilities in Roblox’s safety filters. Two test accounts—one 15 years old, the other 27—managed to exchange messages. These messages bypassed the system’s filters by slight rewording. Although explicit attempts to switch platforms were blocked, this raised questions about the platform’s protection measures.
Baszucki defended Roblox’s safety, stating that the test results showed the platform’s filters were still effective. “We do not permit image-sharing, and we continuously exceed legal requirements in addressing these behaviors,” he explained.
Questionable Content and Game Recommendations
Concerns also arose when Roblox recommended questionable games to an 11-year-old. These included titles like “Late Night Boys and Girls Club RP” and “Squid Game.” This raised concerns about Roblox’s content moderation.
Baszucki defended Roblox’s content review system. “We assess more than just game titles,” he said. “We review content thoroughly and ensure we are consistent in enforcing age ratings.”
The Rise of Roblox and Its Financial Growth
Launched in 2006 by Baszucki and Eric Cassel, Roblox began as an educational platform before evolving into a global gaming giant. The introduction of Robux, the platform’s virtual currency, transformed the company’s financial model. Players use Robux to access exclusive content, and creators earn a share of each transaction. Roblox’s value has soared to $41 billion.
The Future Vision: A Digital Metaverse
Baszucki envisions Roblox as more than just a gaming platform. He likens it to a modern-day “Magic Kingdom” and sees the company evolving into a Metaverse-like environment where users interact in a shared digital space.
“We want to attract 10% of the world’s gamers,” Baszucki said. “Roblox is the future of communication.”
A Constant Balance: Safety and Entertainment
As Roblox continues to grow, Baszucki remains focused on ensuring safety while fostering creativity. He believes that with ongoing investments in security, Roblox can maintain a platform that is both safe and enjoyable for all users.
Despite the challenges, Baszucki’s vision for Roblox remains clear. The platform aims to be a space where children can safely explore and connect with others.