Roblox faces independent scrutiny in Australia over child safety measures

Australia’s online safety regulator has gained new power…

Australia’s online safety regulator has gained new powers to hold Roblox accountable for its child protection promises, potentially leading to legal action if the gaming giant fails to meet its obligations. The eSafety Commissioner announced on Wednesday that Roblox will now undergo external audits to verify the effectiveness of its safety protocols for young users in the country.

The decision follows months of negotiations between the platform and the regulator, which had raised concerns about inadequate safeguards on the popular gaming service. Under the new arrangement, independent assessors will review Roblox’s moderation systems, reporting mechanisms, and response times to abuse reports, with findings made public.

If the audits reveal that Roblox is not upholding its commitments, the eSafety Commissioner can escalate the matter to federal court, a move that could result in substantial fines or operational restrictions. Regulators have stressed that this is not a punishment but a preventive measure to ensure the platform prioritizes child welfare over engagement metrics.

Roblox, which boasts millions of Australian users under

Roblox, which boasts millions of Australian users under the age of 16, has welcomed the oversight, stating it is ‘committed to continuous improvement’ in safety measures. However, critics argue that external audits alone may not suffice, pointing to the platform’s history of moderation gaps and the challenge of policing real-time interactions among minors.

The eSafety Commissioner’s office has indicated that the first audit report is expected within six months, and follow-up reviews will occur annually. This move places Australia at the forefront of global efforts to regulate gaming platforms, setting a precedent that could influence policies in other jurisdictions.