Roblox Requires Age Check for Chat Features

Roblox is enforcing a new policy requiring users to complete an age estimation process to utilize the platform's chat functions. This requirement, which was first announced in November 2025, has moved from a limited trial to a global implementation.

Initially launched in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands in December, the requirement is now active in all regions where chat is available. The verification process relies on facial scan technology provided by Persona, a service also employed by Reddit. For users who cannot pass the initial estimation or wish to dispute the results, ID verification is available as an alternative method.

The age estimation requirement is no longer limited to specific territories. Roblox confirmed that the policy is now being prompted to users in 'all regions where chat is available.' This marks a significant expansion from the initial pilot program that targeted specific countries.

The policy was officially announced in November 2025. By December 2025, the system was already active in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The rapid expansion suggests the company is prioritizing this safety measure across its entire user base.

To facilitate the age check, Roblox has partnered with Persona. The specific technology used is a facial scan. This method is designed to estimate a user's age without necessarily requiring government-issued identification upfront.

The use of Persona places Roblox alongside other major platforms. Reddit is noted as another company that utilizes Persona's technology for its own verification processes. This suggests a growing industry trend toward using third-party biometric estimation tools for age assurance.

Roblox has established a pathway for users who fail the initial facial scan or disagree with the outcome. Users can appeal the result by opting for ID verification. This provides a secondary method to confirm age if the estimation technology is inaccurate.

The system also includes provisions for parents. A parent can verify their child's age, likely allowing them to manage the account's access to chat features. This ensures that family oversight remains a part of the verification process.

This mandatory age check fundamentally changes how users interact with Roblox. By gatekeeping chat features behind verification, the platform aims to create a safer environment. This move aligns with broader industry pressures to protect younger users online.

While the specific details regarding the enforcement of this policy are limited to the announcement, the requirement represents a shift in Roblox's operational strategy. It moves from an open access model to one that requires active verification for social interaction.