Roblox Rolls Out ‘Trusted Connections’ with Mandatory Age Verification for Teens
Popular online platform Roblox has made age verification mandatory for users aged 13 to 17 in order to access its new safety feature, Trusted Connections. According to a report by Mashable, teenage users will now need to verify their age through a video selfie.
Roblox will utilize its AI-powered technology Persona to estimate a user's age and assign them to the appropriate age group. Once verification is successfully completed, users will gain access to the Trusted Connections feature, which enables unfiltered voice and text communication between friends. However, all conversations will remain monitored by Roblox to prevent serious harms such as grooming.
To add someone over the age of 18 to a Trusted Connection, the connection must be established through a real-world link—either by scanning a QR code or importing contacts. If the AI makes an incorrect age prediction, users will have the option to verify their age manually by uploading an official ID. In the future, verification may also be possible through parental consent.
This initiative is part of Roblox’s broader effort to enhance its safety and privacy framework, aiming to create a more secure environment for its younger users.
