Popular platform Roblox is introducing a new age verification system using video selfies. The innovation is part of the Trusted Connections feature, which will allow unfiltered voice and text chat, but only to those who have proven they are over 13.
Popular platform Roblox is introducing a new age verification system using video selfies. The innovation is part of the Trusted Connections feature, which will allow unfiltered voice and text chat, but only to those who have proven they are over 13.
According to TechSpot, Roblox has renamed the «Friends» section to «Connections,» and the new Trusted Connections section will open access to less restricted communication only for verified teens. To gain access, the user must take a video selfie, which is analyzed by the age verification system from Persona. If the algorithm cannot reliably determine the age, the user will be offered an alternative method of verification, using a document or parental consent.
Users aged 13 to 17 will be able to add each other without additional verification. However, if the user is over 18, they can only be added after confirming their real-life acquaintance via a QR code or phone number. According to a Roblox representative, this is done to prevent adults from communicating with teenagers without their consent.
Trusted Connections removes basic filters for profanity and personal information (for example, the word «butt-head» is allowed), but conversations are still subject to community standards and moderation. The system monitors chats for «critical harm,» including signs of predatory behavior or unwanted requests.
This isn’t the first time Roblox has tried to address safety concerns on its platform. Following a 2023 Bloomberg investigation into online predators in the game, the company has already introduced new restrictions for minors. However, it has been criticized for being too lax. In March 2025, Roblox co-founder and CEO David Baszucki even advised parents concerned about their children’s safety to stay away from the platform altogether. The new video verification move appears to be an attempt to reduce risks without sacrificing the social features that today’s younger audience demands.
Age verification company Persona also works with Reddit in the UK, promising to delete users' biometric data after 30 days, except where required by law.
We previously wrote about how Roblox announced that it was launching the first version of its 3D model, called Cube, to allow creators to create 3D objects using generative artificial intelligence.
