Louisiana AG Sues Roblox Over Child Safety Concerns
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation in August 2023, alleging the popular gaming platform failed to protect minors from inappropriate content and violated federal child safety laws. The case highlights growing scrutiny over digital platforms’ responsibility to safeguard young users.
Key Takeaways
- Roblox is accused of violating COPPA by collecting data from users under 13 without parental consent.
- The platform allegedly exposes children to explicit content, including simulated gambling and adult-themed games.
- Louisiana seeks injunctions, fines, and restitution for affected families.
- The lawsuit could set precedents for accountability in the metaverse and online gaming industries.
Alleged COPPA Violations
The lawsuit claims Roblox violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information—including voice recordings and payment details—from users under 13 without verifiable parental consent. Despite claiming to restrict underage access, investigators found children could easily bypass age gates.
Exposure to Explicit Content
Roblox’s user-generated content model allegedly exposes minors to “digital strip clubs,” graphic violence, and gambling simulations. The AG’s office cited instances of predatory behavior in chat features and criticized insufficient content moderation despite Roblox’s “Family Friendly” branding.
Legal Demands and Penalties
Louisiana seeks court orders to force Roblox to overhaul its safety practices, including age verification upgrades and mandatory parental controls. The state also demands civil penalties up to $5,000 per COPPA violation—potentially totaling billions given Roblox’s 60 million daily users.
Broader Implications
This case joins increased regulatory action against tech companies over child safety. A ruling against Roblox could pressure other platforms to strengthen age verification, limit data collection, and aggressively moderate user-generated content, reshaping how metaverse environments operate.
