Louisiana AG Sues Roblox Over Alleged Child Safety Violations
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed a lawsuit against the popular online gaming platform Roblox, accusing the company of failing to protect minors from inappropriate content and violating state and federal child safety laws. The lawsuit, filed in a Louisiana state court, claims Roblox’s practices expose children to potential harm through inadequate moderation and deceptive monetization tactics.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit centers on three primary accusations:
- COPPA Violations: Roblox allegedly collects personal data from users under 13 without obtaining proper parental consent, violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- Inadequate Content Moderation: The platform is accused of hosting sexually explicit, violent, and other age-inappropriate content despite marketing itself as family-friendly.
- Predatory Monetization: Roblox purportedly uses manipulative design tactics, such as encouraging minors to make unauthorized purchases through in-game currency (Robux) and third-party transactions.
Potential Legal and Financial Consequences
If the court rules against Roblox, the company could face significant penalties, including:
- Fines of up to $5,000 per violation under Louisiana’s Consumer Protection Law.
- Mandatory changes to its data collection and content moderation practices.
- Restitution for affected users, particularly families whose children made unauthorized purchases.
Roblox’s Response
Roblox has publicly denied the allegations, stating it employs “industry-leading safeguards” for minors, including AI-driven content moderation, parental controls, and spending limits. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, citing partnerships with organizations like the Digital Safety Commission.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry
This lawsuit reflects growing scrutiny of online platforms’ responsibilities toward young users. Recent actions by regulators—such as the FTC’s focus on Meta and Google over similar issues—highlight a trend toward stricter enforcement of child safety and privacy laws. A ruling against Roblox could set a precedent, compelling other platforms to revise their moderation and data practices.
What Users and Parents Should Know
- Roblox’s parental controls allow restrictions on chat functions and spending, but critics argue these tools are not prominently promoted.
- The lawsuit underscores the importance of monitoring children’s online interactions and reviewing platform privacy settings.
