Louisiana AG Murrill Accuses Roblox of Endangering Children

Concerns have been raised by Louisiana Attorney General, Murrill, who alleges that the popular online gaming platform, Roblox, poses a significant danger to the children of Louisiana due to its inadequate safety measures.

In a formal statement, Murrill highlighted that the platform is saturated with harmful content and child predators, alleging that Roblox prioritizes the expansion of its user base and profits over the well-being of young users. She emphasized the importance for parents to be vigilant about the potential risks associated with Roblox to protect their children from potential harm.

A substantial portion of Roblox’s user base consists of children, with 56% being 16 years old or younger. Notably, 40% of its users are 12 years old or younger, according to Murrill. Launched in 2006, Roblox enjoys a massive user base of nearly 82 million daily active users who engage with an extensive array of online games available on the platform.

Some of these games alarmingly include titles like “Escape to”, “” and “Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe”, which Murrill claims often contain sexually explicit content and simulate inappropriate activities, including scenarios as severe as child gang rape. The allegations draw on data indicating that a significant number of users engage in trading illegal and explicit materials.

Furthermore, the recent arrest of a local user who is suspected of possessing child sexual abuse content has amplified these concerns. This individual was allegedly active on Roblox at the time of the arrest and reportedly used voice-altering software to impersonate a young female, thereby luring and exploiting minors. Such cases, Murrill argues, are indicative of the reasons her office has initiated legal action against the platform.

The accusations against Roblox include claims of violating the Louisiana Unfair Practices Act, negligence, and being a public nuisance. The lawsuit seeks not only civil penalties but also restitution for the state’s efforts to enforce the law and other compensatory damages.

In response, Roblox officials have dismissed these allegations, firmly stating that the company does not intentionally put its users at risk. The company acknowledges the challenges posed by those attempting to bypass safety measures but maintains its commitment to enhancing security protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.

Roblox emphasizes that while no system is foolproof, the company remains steadfast in its efforts to prevent exploitation and support safety across its platform.

As the dialogue concerning online safety and children’s well-being continues to unfold, both legal and industry stakeholders are tasked with navigating the complexities of digital environments to protect the young and vulnerable in these virtual spaces.