Dutch Regulator Investigates Roblox for Potential Risks to Minors
The Netherlands’ consumer protection regulator, ACM, has initiated an investigation into the U.S. gaming platform Roblox, focusing on potential risks to underage users within the European Union. This announcement was made on Friday, January 30.
The ACM is set to evaluate whether Roblox is implementing sufficient measures to safeguard minors. This scrutiny is in line with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates that platforms adopt appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure the safety of minors utilizing their services.
A spokesperson for Roblox emphasized the company’s commitment to adhering to the EU Digital Services Act. They highlighted a previous announcement from November, where Roblox stated it would implement age verification through facial recognition technology. This measure aims to limit interactions between children and adults on the platform.
“We look forward to providing the ACM with further clarity on the many policies and safeguards we have in place to protect minors,” the spokesperson added, indicating a willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Despite these assurances, Roblox has faced significant global criticism regarding its ability to protect young users from potential dangers, including child predators and sexual exploitation. In the United States, the platform is currently embroiled in multiple lawsuits concerning child safety issues, raising concerns about its effectiveness in safeguarding its younger audience.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, editing by Tomasz Janowski)
The Netherlands’ consumer protection regulator, ACM, has initiated an investigation into the U.S. gaming platform Roblox, focusing on potential risks to underage users within the European Union. This announcement was made on Friday, January 30.
The ACM is set to evaluate whether Roblox is implementing sufficient measures to safeguard minors. This scrutiny is in line with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates that platforms adopt appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure the safety of minors utilizing their services.
A spokesperson for Roblox emphasized the company’s commitment to adhering to the EU Digital Services Act. They highlighted a previous announcement from November, where Roblox stated it would implement age verification through facial recognition technology. This measure aims to limit interactions between children and adults on the platform.
“We look forward to providing the ACM with further clarity on the many policies and safeguards we have in place to protect minors,” the spokesperson added, indicating a willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Despite these assurances, Roblox has faced significant global criticism regarding its ability to protect young users from potential dangers, including child predators and sexual exploitation. In the United States, the platform is currently embroiled in multiple lawsuits concerning child safety issues, raising concerns about its effectiveness in safeguarding its younger audience.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, editing by Tomasz Janowski)
