US groups urge investigation into child safety and spending on Roblox

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. US groups urge investigation into child safety and spending on Roblox32 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleShiona McCallumSenior Tech ReporterGetty ImagesChildren as young as five are at risk of being contacted by strangers and pressured into spending money on Roblox, campaigners have claimed in a complaint to US regulators. Advocacy groups have asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the hugely popular gaming platform for alleged "unfair and deceptive" practices. The filing raised concerns about in-game purchases, chat features and what it described as "engagement-maximising" design.

Roblox rejected the claims, saying the platform was "built for fun and connection, not short-term engagement". A spokesperson said it had "clear policies" banning actual and simulated gambling, as well as rules governing paid random items. They said most games were free to play and users are not required to buy the in-game currency Robux.

The Details

"In the first quarter of 2026, only 1. 4% of our 132 million daily active users were payers on the platform," they added. After being accused of failing to protect its child users, Roblox has looked to resolve such concerns by blocking children from chatting to adults and using age-estimation tech to place them in age-appropriate accounts.

However, some campaigners and parents remain worried about the time and money spent by children on the site. The complaint submitted by child safety organisations Fairplay and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation on Wednesday centred on Roblox's in-game economy. Its virtual currency Robux can be purchased and then used to buy game passes or upgrades for avatars, such as outfits.

The groups argued the system was too complex and difficult for children to understand. According to the filing, it was "nearly impossible" to track the real-world cost of virtual items. In one example included in the complaint, a parent said their 10-year-old daughter spent more than $7,000 (£5,200) in two months despite attempts to limit purchases.

What Experts Say

The filing also alleged "engagement-maximising" design features were used to keep children on Roblox. These included incentives such as daily reward streaks and systems which encourage social comparison by displaying other players' virtual possessions, it said. Some experiences also use what the complaint described as "gambling-like" mechanics, such as loot boxes or chance-based rewards, which campaigners argue children may not fully understand.

The groups said these features exploit children's "developmental vulnerabilities", particularly around impulse control and peer pressure. "Parents are doing everything they can to protect their children on Roblox, but it's not a fair fight," said Ashwin Verghese, Fairplay's communications director. "The platform is designed to take advantage of kids' developmental needs and prey on their vulnerabilities.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.