Roblox, a widely used online gaming platform, is rolling out a new facial age estimation feature aimed at improving safety for its younger users. This technology will restrict player-to-player chat based on the estimated age of users. The change comes as Roblox prepares to comply with Australia’s upcoming Online Safety Act, which mandates measures to protect children online. Starting today, all users can voluntarily participate in the age estimation process. By December, this feature will become mandatory for users in Australia, with plans for a global rollout in January 2026. The age estimation process involves scanning a user’s face using their device's camera. The software, provided by a U.S. company, uses artificial intelligence to estimate the user’s age. After the scan, any images or videos captured are deleted immediately. Users will be categorized into age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, and 21+. This categorization will limit chat capabilities to users within the same age group or adjacent groups. Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We decided that simply going with age-estimation was the path of least friction and the path that provided the best outcome and that minimized the collection of personal information." Users can also correct their estimated age by submitting government-issued identification. The platform has approximately 380 million users worldwide, with a significant portion being children. Experts believe that this move could serve as a preventive measure against potential restrictions, especially as the platform has faced scrutiny over safety issues. In recent discussions with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, it was confirmed that Roblox is not classified as a social media platform under the new regulations. However, the company is taking proactive steps to enhance user safety. Inman Grant noted, "We’re using other tools in our arsenal to keep these other platforms safer." Roblox's new age verification measures will also be implemented in New Zealand and the Netherlands in December. The company aims to set a standard for online safety while navigating the complexities of regulations and user protection. As the platform continues to grow, it faces ongoing challenges, including over 35 lawsuits in the U.S. related to child safety. The introduction of age verification is seen as a necessary step to address these concerns and foster a safer environment for its young users.