As Roblox continues to grow from a simple gaming platform into a full-fledged social space for young users, the company is stepping up its safety game—this time, focusing on teen interactions. In a recent announcement, Roblox unveiled new features aimed at creating a safer and more trustworthy environment, especially for teens aged 13 to 17.

From Friends to Trusted Connections

One of the first big changes users will notice is the shift from "Friends" to a new concept called Connections. But that's just the beginning. Roblox is layering in a new system called Trusted Connections, which is essentially a higher level of connection that unlocks unfiltered text chat and Party voice chat—features that have long been requested but raise safety concerns when used by younger audiences.

However, not just anyone can become a Trusted Connection. To qualify, teens must go through an age verification process, confirming that they are indeed within the 13–17 age range. This extra layer helps ensure that users are truly who they say they are, adding a new level of integrity to in-game interactions.

Smile for Safety: The Video Selfie Process

So how does Roblox verify a teen's age? It's not just a tick-box or a simple birthdate entry. The platform now requires users to take a video selfie, which is analyzed using advanced AI technology. This system compares the selfie against a diverse dataset to estimate the user's age.

It's a bold step—one that's clearly trying to balance ease of use with privacy and security. According to Roblox, the system doesn't store the selfie or any identifiable biometric data long-term. It's all about verifying the user's age with enough confidence to grant access to certain features.

Adding Adults? Real-Life Connection Required

For teens who want to add an adult (like a parent or older sibling) to their Trusted Connections, Roblox has put stricter rules in place. They must know the adult in real life, and the connection can only be made via QR code scanning or a Contact Importer feature.

This is meant to curb random adult-teen connections and protect younger users from potential online predators. Roblox is clearly leaning into its responsibility as a platform that's often a child's first introduction to online socializing.

What Happens If Verification Fails?

Of course, no system is perfect. Roblox acknowledges that sometimes the age estimation tool might not be able to verify a user's age with high confidence. When that happens, users will remain unverified and won't gain access to Trusted Connections.

But all is not lost. In such cases, users can complete their verification by submitting an official ID. And coming soon, Roblox will offer an additional route through verified parental consent—another safeguard to ensure that only appropriate users gain deeper access to the platform's social features.

Final Thoughts

Roblox's move toward tighter age controls is a clear signal that the platform is growing up right alongside its users. With millions of teens logging in daily, the focus on digital safety has never been more crucial. While the new verification system isn't perfect, it's a solid step forward in creating a more trustworthy and secure space for kids and teens to play, chat, and connect.