Trusted Connections & Age EstimationRoblox with new safety functions - what parents need to know
Trusted Connections
The concept of "Trusted Connections " allows users aged 13 and over to classify each other as trustworthy. Communication between these contacts via text and voice chat will no longer be filtered, as is currently the case with Roblox. The filtering will make swear words unrecognizable, for example. However, the filter is also activated when attempts are made to share personal information such as a telephone number. Roblox writes that some content (for example links to websites other than Roblox) could still be filtered even with "Trusted Connections".
Users between the ages of 13 and 17 can only enter into a "Trusted Connection" if their age has been verified beforehand. Anyone wishing to enter into a "Trusted Connection" with a person over the age of 18 must overcome a further hurdle and requires a special QR code or a telephone number for the other person. People under the age of 13 cannot enter into "Trusted Connections".
It is true that filters are no longer used in text and voice communication between trusted connections. However, Roblox points out that all communication on the platform is still constantly checked for dangerous behavior, such as cybergrooming. This also applies to communication between "Trusted Connections".
Age Estimation
In future, it will be possible to estimate your own age on Roblox. However, the existing option of proving your age with an ID card will also remain available. Age Estimation is initially voluntary. Roblox can still be used without proof of age or age estimation. However, anyone wishing to enter into a "Trusted Connection" must have their age confirmed. Users are divided into the age categories 0-12 years, 13-17 years and over 18 years.
Users must take a video selfie of themselves for the age assessment. This video is then checked by a machine and the age is estimated. Roblox promises that users' biometric data will be processed securely. If the result of the age estimation is incorrect, users can have this incorrect estimation corrected afterwards by checking their ID.
Data protection
The age verification for Roblox is provided by the company Persona According to Roblox, the uploaded user data is deleted after 30 days. Persona's privacy policy states that biometric data is deleted after completion of the verification process or six months after the last interaction with Persona.
New functions for parental supervision
Parent supervision has been available on Roblox for some time now. It allows parents to monitor their children's use of the platform and keep track of their activities. What is new is that parents can now also see which "Connections" and "Trusted Connections" their children maintain with other users. Parents can now also view their children's playtime, broken down by individual Roblox experiences. Parents can now be automatically notified when their child spends money on Roblox. A warning can also be set in the event of particularly high spending.
→ Roblox has presented all the new featuresin a press release (only available in English).
How can parents accompany their children on Roblox?
Despite the new security measures and settings options, it remains essential for parents to supervise their children's Roblox use in an age-appropriate manner. Even with better protective measures, there are still many risks on the platform, for example
- being contacted by strangers
- Inappropriate content
- Heavy commercialization and in-game purchases
- Excessive use
Parents should therefore carefully consider whether and under what circumstances they want to allow their child to use Roblox. They should also bear in mind that Roblox has now been given an age rating of 16+ by the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK). age rating from 16 years is rated.
If your child is already playing Roblox, the following tips may help you:
- Have your child show you Roblox: By playing together, you can better understand what your child is experiencing on the platform. You will learn to better assess your child's fascination, but you may also see the risks and problematic content. On this basis, you can better decide whether your child should continue to play Roblox or not.
- Find out more about Roblox: On klicksafe you will find both a background article on Roblox and a podcast on the topic of "How safe is Roblox for children?". In the podcast, we talk to jugendschutz.net about the report "How safe is Roblox?".We also reported on the upgrade of the age rating to 16.
- Use the safety settings: If you decide to allow your child to play Roblox, be sure to use all the safety settings offered by the platform. At www.medien-kindersicher.de you will find up-to-date step-by-step instructions for safe settings and parental supervision.
