US groups call for an investigation into child safety on Roblox
Campaigners in the US have called for regulators to probe concerns about child safety and spending on the hugely popular gaming platform Roblox.
Child safety campaigners in the United States have urged regulators to investigate Roblox Corporation over concerns surrounding child safety, spending systems and communication features on its hugely popular gaming platform.
Advocacy organisations Fairplay and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), accusing Roblox of using what they describe as "unfair and deceptive" practices that place younger users at risk.
A major focus of the complaint centres on Roblox’s in-game economy. Players can purchase virtual currency, Robux, to buy avatar cosmetics, game passes and upgrades. Campaigners argue the system is difficult for children to understand and makes it challenging to track real-world spending.
One example cited in the filing involved a parent alleging their 10-year-old daughter spent more than $7,000 in two months despite attempts to restrict purchases.
The groups also criticised mechanics they compared to gambling, including chance-based rewards and loot-box style systems, arguing these features exploit children’s developmental vulnerabilities and susceptibility to peer pressure.
Communication tools on the platform have also come under scrutiny. The complaint alleges that text and voice chat systems can expose younger players to inappropriate language, sexual references and unwanted adult contact. Researchers using child accounts reportedly encountered offensive content shortly after entering some Roblox experiences.
Fairplay communications director Ashwin Verghese said: "Parents are doing everything they can to protect their children on Roblox, but it’s not a fair fight. The platform is designed to take advantage of kids’ developmental needs and prey on their vulnerabilities."
Roblox has rejected the allegations.
A spokesperson said the platform was "built for fun and connection, not short-term engagement" and highlighted safeguards already introduced, including blocking children from chatting with adults, age-estimation technology and policies banning gambling and paid random items.
The company added that most Roblox experiences are free and said only 1.4 per cent of its 132 million daily active users paid for content during the first quarter of 2026.
The FTC has not confirmed whether it will launch a formal investigation, but the complaint arrives amid growing regulatory scrutiny of how gaming and social platforms protect younger audiences and monetise engagement.
