Roblox's Implementation of Mandatory Age Verification System
The popular video game platform Roblox has recently completed a month of efforts to implement a mandatory age verification system for its chat features. This initiative serves as a warning about the challenges that may emerge when trying to restrict access for children under 16 to social networks, a step that Spanish President Pedro Sánchez aims to adopt, following Australia's lead. Users quickly highlighted flaws in the system, showcasing methods to bypass facial recognition.
Roblox's Response to Age Verification Challenges
Roblox, primarily viewed as a gaming platform, has faced scrutiny from various authorities due to concerns surrounding the safety of minors within its environment. As a defensive measure, the American company allows users who do not verify their age to play but prohibits chat access. As of January 7, 45% of Roblox's 144 million daily active users have completed the age verification process. According to the company, the verification system is intended to reduce uncertainties regarding user interactions.
Users over 13 are required to use facial recognition technology to verify their age, either by recording a video or providing identification. The company Persona processes these videos, ensuring they are removed immediately after verification.
Concerns Over Biometric Data and Evasion Techniques
Legal experts have raised significant concerns regarding the collection of biometric data. Borja Adsuara, a digital law specialist, notes the risks of providing biometric information and highlights user complaints during the initial verification week, including misidentifications and tactics to bypass controls. Some users have even reported instances where age-verified accounts for children under nine were being sold on eBay.
Roblox has acknowledged ongoing issues, including the use of parental facial data by children to access age-restricted games, and stated that it is actively working on these matters. The company also monitors user behavior to identify instances where profiles may be misrepresenting users' actual ages.
User Demographics Post-Verification
Among users who have completed the age verification, 35% are under 13, 38% are aged 13 to 17, and 27% are 18 or older. Users are categorized into groups based on their age, enabling them to chat only with peers within similar age ranges. For instance, a 12-year-old can communicate solely with individuals aged 15 or younger. Trusted connections can include family and friends outside these age limits through a special QR code or mobile contacts.
Proposed Changes to Biometric Data Sharing
The European digital identity portfolio plan proposes an alternative to biometric data sharing. The plan suggests using QR codes as a certificate of age compliance rather than transmitting personal data. This initiative is expected to be available across all member states by the year's end.
Paloma Llaneza, a specialist in internet legal and regulatory matters, has described the need for tighter control over data shared with external companies, cautioning against excessive data provision without proper oversight.
Aiming for Safety in Communication
The primary concern lies within the platform's chat feature. Despite its child-friendly appearance, adults have been known to contact minors by posing as children or using coded language to transition conversations to less monitored messaging applications. Within Roblox, chat functionality is monitored by an AI and an oversight team, although the platform is currently under investigation by multiple prosecutors in the United States due to allegations of harassment.
Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands have already begun testing mandatory age verification. In these regions, the completion rate has reached 60% among daily active users. Although Roblox has not yet faced bans similar to those imposed on other social networks in Australia, the situation remains fluid, with Spain contemplating regulations as well.
Investigations into Roblox's Safety Measures
The Netherlands' Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has initiated an investigation to assess Roblox's measures for protecting minors, gathering information for a more formal inquiry into potential regulatory violations. Similarly, Spain's Data Protection Agency (AEPD) is also conducting a review of Roblox's practices.
Focus on Prevention and Awareness
Child psychologist Gloria RodrÃguez Ben views the age verification initiative positively but emphasizes the need for ongoing education about digital safety for children. She notes an increase in family consultations regarding the use of mobile phones and social networks, indicating that video games have morphed into social media platforms where children must remain vigilant about privacy.
The director of an educational development center, RodrÃguez Ben encourages adults to engage with platforms like Roblox alongside their children, promoting joint learning experiences about digital environments.
