Editor’s Note: The story has been updated with statement from Roblox
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX) shares are falling after news broke of a new lawsuit seeking to hold the gaming platform and Discord accountable for allegedly enabling the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The suit, underscoring claims of systemic failures in child safety protections, accuses both companies of creating platforms that allowed a predator to target and abuse the plaintiff, who was a minor at the time and is now just entering adulthood.
According to the complaint, the predator was able to easily identify, groom, and exploit the plaintiff due to design flaws and a lack of safety measures within the apps.
In an emailed statement to Benzinga, Roblox spokesperson said, “As a policy we cannot comment on pending litigation, but Roblox is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community, with tens of millions having positive experiences every day. Protecting children is a top priority, and we invest significant resources in advanced safety technology, including a combination of machine learning and human moderation teams working 24/7 to detect and address inappropriate content and behavior. This includes attempts to share personal information or direct users off platform, where safety standards and moderation may be less stringent than ours. We also provide significant resources for parents and do not allow any user-to-user image sharing or sexual conversation on our platform. We partner with law enforcement and other organizations that combat the sexual exploitation of children around the world. We are always evolving our safety practices to promote a secure and positive experience for everyone."
Also Read: Roblox Expands Into EdTech With Google, BBC Games
The Digital Predator’s Playbook: From Roblox to Discord
The predator first contacted the child through Roblox, then directed communication to Discord, where voice, video, and text messaging were used to coerce the victim into sharing explicit content and potentially meeting in person.
The complaint asserts that both companies failed to invest in basic safeguards despite knowing the risks their platforms posed to minors.
The lawsuit highlights how Roblox and Discord misrepresented the safety of their platforms, misleading parents into believing they were appropriate for children.
Plaintiff’s father allowed usage of these apps based on these assurances, only to later discover the devastating consequences. The plaintiff’s family learned the truth only after the exploitation had occurred. The harm suffered, according to the complaint, is severe and lasting.
The suit emphasizes that the plaintiff’s case is not an isolated incident but one among many. It frames the litigation as a broader challenge against tech platforms that prioritize profits over child safety, accusing them of knowingly enabling exploitation.
Roblox: A “Metaverse” Without Mature Safeguards?
Roblox, launched in 2006, is a free online gaming platform with over 40 million user-generated “experiences.” It is accessible across various devices, including phones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
While Roblox claims to require parental permission for underage users, the platform does not verify age or confirm parental approval, allowing children of any age to sign up and interact with adult users.
Although Roblox recently limited direct messaging for users under 13, it still relies on self-reported birthdates, allowing children to bypass restrictions. Conversely, adults can enter fake birthdates to pose as minors and continue targeting children.
Leaked documents show Roblox’s internal discussions about avatar nudity and sexualized content, suggesting a level of awareness and control over what is allowed. Despite this, the platform continues to host exploitative content, including “condo games” and virtual strip clubs.
The Broader Implications: A Call for Accountability and Regulatory Scrutiny
This lawsuit against Roblox and Discord is emblematic of a growing societal reckoning with the responsibilities of social media and gaming platforms. As these digital spaces become increasingly integrated into the lives of children and teenagers, the pressure mounts on tech companies to move beyond self-regulation and implement robust, verifiable safety measures.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent, potentially forcing a paradigm shift in how major tech platforms approach child safety and compelling them to invest substantially more in protecting their youngest and most vulnerable users.
Price Action: RBLX stock is trading lower by 3.10% to $116.47 at last check Wednesday.
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