Roblox Introduces Age Verification, New Teen Safety Tools

Roblox has rolled out a major update aimed at improving safety and communication for teens between 13 and 17 by introducing age-based chat features and enhanced parental controls.

The new system is part of a broader effort to create a more secure environment for young users while also addressing growing concerns from regulators and parents about online safety on gaming platforms.

The cornerstone of the update is the launch of a feature called “Trusted Connections,” which replaces the traditional “Friends” label. Once users confirm they are at least 13 through an age-verification process, they can establish Trusted Connections, which are secure links with people they already know in real life.

These verified users unlock unfiltered chat and voice options, allowing more natural interaction within games. Roblox emphasizes that communication outside this circle remains restricted to protect teens from strangers. This change is intended to prevent young users from turning to third-party apps.

To support these age-based interactions, Roblox has implemented an optional “Age Estimation” system that uses video selfies analyzed by Persona, an identity verification service. The biometric data is deleted after a month unless legally required to be retained. If the technology cannot verify a user’s age with high confidence, an in-app government ID check is offered as an alternative.

Beyond secure connections, Roblox is introducing a suite of tools aimed at improving teen well-being. Users can now control who sees their online status, whether it’s visible to everyone, only to Connections, or no one at all. They can also enable a “Do Not Disturb” mode to block notifications during specified hours and monitor their screen time.

Parental oversight receives a boost in this update as well. With their teen’s consent, parents can link their accounts to monitor screen time, track their teen’s Connections, and receive alerts for high-value in-app purchases.

Roblox’s latest changes seem intended to demonstrate compliance with evolving online safety standards worldwide, including new regulations in regions such as the UK, EU, and Australia