Roblox, a video game platform that turned 20 in 2026, has grown into a major player in the gaming industry, with hundreds of millions of users and a valuation of $30 billion. Founded in 2006 by Erik Cassel and David Baszucki, Roblox allows users to create and share games and virtual worlds using its in-game currency, called "Roblux." The platform has become especially popular among children, with 40% of its users in 2024 being under the age of 13. In fact, 54% of 11- to 12-year-olds named Roblox as their favorite game, according to the 2024 Born Social barometer. The platform's large child user base has raised serious concerns about online safety. Reports of child pornography and the exploitation of minors have increased dramatically, with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) receiving 13,316 cases in 2023, compared to just 2,973 in 2022. Several U.S. states, including California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Nebraska, have filed complaints against Roblox over these issues. In response, the company launched an AI-based system called "Roblox Sentinel" in 2025 to detect and address harmful interactions involving children. In December 2025, Reuters reported that at least 80 lawsuits had been filed against Roblox in San Francisco, alleging that the company facilitated the sexual exploitation of children. A September 2025 report by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) revealed that Roblox's messaging system was being used by adults to exchange virtual currency for explicit content involving minors. Some adults reportedly encouraged children to switch to other platforms like Instagram or Discord, which offer more privacy and encryption. Roblox has also faced criticism for allowing minors to use "Roblux" for online gambling. In 2023, parents filed a class action lawsuit after their children lost money on gambling sites linked to the platform. In response, Roblox announced in December 2025 that it would strengthen its age verification system, potentially using facial recognition technology to control access to chat features. The company also updated its terms of use to include a clause that waives users' rights to take legal action against it. The scrutiny surrounding Roblox is not limited to the United States. In countries like Australia, the Netherlands, and parts of Asia, the platform has been banned for various reasons, including political concerns. In Europe, the European Commission announced plans to subject Roblox, along with platforms like ChatGPT and Reddit, to stricter regulations. These measures aim to better protect users from harmful content and reduce the negative impact on minors.