Roblox's mandatory facial recognition-centric age verification rolls out as users raise accuracy concerns

In a recent update to its safety protocols, Roblox now requires all users to undergo facial recognition or ID verification to access messaging features on the platform, preventing minors from interacting with adults unless they are verified as trusted connections.

The new verification system was rolled out in a voluntary phase on November 18, 2025. However, mandatory enforcement of the new verification system will begin on the first of December in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The safety system will be implemented globally in January 2026.

In its official blog post, Roblox said:

All users can now voluntarily go through the Facial Age Estimation process to secure their access to communication features. During the first week of December, we’ll begin enforcing the age check requirements in select markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Those requirements will extend to the rest of the world wherever chat is available in early January.

The facial age estimation system will work by recording a short video selfie via the user’s webcam or front-facing camera, and then processing it by a third-party vendor, Persona, to assign it to one of six groups: under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 18–20, or 21+.

Afterward, users can only chat with members in the same age group, and chatting features are disabled for users under 9 years old unless they have parental consent. Furthermore, users under 13 will be restricted from sending or receiving private messages.

However, Roblox will allow trusted connections approved by guardians or parents, enabling underage users to interact and chat with siblings and pre-approved users.

Roblox implemented this system after heightened scrutiny by multiple US state Attorney Generals, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who accused the company of enabling predators. Roblox presents the initiative as a new safety standard, stating:

As the internet has matured, technological advancements in safety and security have steadily shifted the industry’s approach to age assurance. Today, Roblox is going further. We’re unlocking chat and age-appropriate experiences for our users by requiring them to complete an age check through Facial Age Estimation or ID verification.

However, the verification system isn’t working as intended, with adults being pegged as preteens, and teens being classified as under 9, or vice versa. One 25-year-old developer reported that they were placed in the 13+ group on a test account. Others on Reddit derided the platform for giving up so much power to AI-powered tools and questioned their accuracy, pointing out anomalies that were already on display since the rollout began.