Roblox rolls out mandatory age verification for chat features globally

• Roblox expands mandatory age verification for chat features to all regions
• Users must agree to a facial scan to be assigned to an age group
• Experts previously criticised similar age check methods on security grounds

UPDATE: On January 9, Roblox reached out to clarify that it doesn't collect any biometric data directly from its users. Images and videos used for age estimation are collected by its vendor, Persona, and are deleted immediately after processing. The article has been updated to reflect this.

After testing it in a few markets, Roblox has announced that it is expanding its facial age verification for voice and text chat features to all regions, effective immediately.

Previously limited to specific territories and age groups, the new policy means that any user wishing to utilize the platform's social communication tools must prove their age to do so. This involves agreeing to their face being scanned to be assigned to the right age group and being able to communicate with others in similar age groups. Users can challenge this age estimation with other methods, including ID verification or parental controls.

The move comes amidst a sweeping global trend of tightened internet regulations. As we saw last year when age verification changed the internet in 2025, platforms are under increasing pressure to ensure minors are protected from inappropriate content and predatory behavior.

However, similar age verification methods have previously had privacy advocates concerned. As digital anonymity erodes, users are also becoming more conscious of their digital footprint. That's why many people are increasingly turning to the best VPN apps to evade mandatory age checks and protect their online data.

In the official announcement, Roblox states that this global rollout is essential for fostering a "civil and safe" community. Yet, for many players, the requirement to hand over their sensitive details to a video game developer could feel like a significant privacy trade-off.

The privacy risks of data centralization

While the intent behind Roblox's announcement is clearly to improve safety for younger users – with the platform ensuring that privacy remains "paramount" – age verification methods based on facial age estimation or ID document scans could create a new vector of risk.

That's because, when a platform collects millions of ID documents and biometric details, it becomes a massive target for cybercriminals.

We have seen this scenario play out recently. Just last year, Discord revealed more about a massive data breach that targeted the company's third-party service that deals with age verification checks. On that occasion, nearly 70,000 government ID photos were exposed.

Talking to TechRadar, Roblox has clarified that it does not collect or store biometric information. The gaming platform uses an identity verification partner, Persona, to handle the age estimation process.

According to a Roblox spokesperson, all images and video data used during this check are processed by the vendor and deleted immediately afterward, ensuring no permanent biometric record is held by the gaming giant.

What this means for players

For the average Roblox player, the process will be relatively seamless, provided they are willing to share their data. The system will need to access their camera to allow Persona, Roblox's age verification third-party, to scan their face to verify their age.

"We are constantly evaluating user behavior to determine if someone is significantly older or younger than expected. In these situations, we will soon begin asking users to repeat the age-check process," the provider explains, adding that users who want to challenge the age estimation can do so using alternative methods, "including ID verification or parental controls that allow parents to update their child’s age."

Once verified, the voice and text chat features will unlock among the similar age group to foster "age-appropriate conversations."

As Roblox moves forward with this global policy, users must now decide if the ability to chat is worth the potential exposure of their personal identity.

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