Roblox will soon use AI-based facial screenings to verify users’ ages by analyzing selfies locally on devices without storing images, aiming to enhance child safety and privacy on the platform. The CEO emphasized that this technology, now reliable enough, will help connect children with age-appropriate content and set a new standard for online age verification.
Roblox is planning to implement AI-based facial screenings to verify the age of its users, a move aimed at enhancing safety on the platform. This process will involve children taking a selfie or submitting a photo, which the AI will analyze to estimate their age. The company emphasizes that the images are processed locally on the user’s device and are not stored or shared, addressing privacy concerns from parents who are wary of submitting photos of their children.
The CEO of Roblox responded to skepticism from parents who find the idea of sending in pictures of their kids unsettling. He clarified that the system does not capture or store images beyond the immediate age verification process. Instead, the AI uses the selfie camera to quickly and securely determine the user’s age, after which the images are deleted. This approach is designed to ensure children are connected with appropriate peers and content on the platform.
When questioned about why Roblox is only now introducing this technology, given the platform’s history of complaints related to child safety and exploitation, the CEO rejected negative characterizations of the company. He explained that the decision to implement AI age verification came as the technology matured and became reliable enough to use effectively. Roblox has been an innovator in AI, with over 400 AI models in use, and has previously introduced facial age estimation for other purposes.
The CEO highlighted that Roblox has contributed to the broader AI community by open-sourcing some of its voice models, which other companies have adopted. The advancement of AI technology now makes it feasible to implement facial age verification in a way that balances safety and privacy. Roblox sees this as a necessary step forward to meet growing expectations for social and gaming platforms to accurately verify user ages.
Ultimately, Roblox aims to set a new standard for age verification in online environments. The company believes that as AI technology continues to improve, more platforms will adopt similar measures to ensure users are appropriately categorized by age. This will not only help protect children from inappropriate content and interactions but also enhance the overall safety and trustworthiness of online social and gaming spaces.