Los angeles: Officials in Los Angeles, California have taken legal action against Roblox, accusing the platform of exposing children to sexual content, exploitation, and online predators. In a statement on Thursday, the County of Los Angeles said it had filed suit against Roblox, alleging that ‘while Roblox markets itself as a safe digital space for creativity, it is in reality an unsafe online environment that has become a breeding ground for predators.’

According to Anadolu Agency, the lawsuit alleges that children in Los Angeles County have been repeatedly exposed to sexually explicit content, exploitation, and grooming on Roblox because the company chooses to prioritize corporate profit over the safety of children. The lawsuit further claims that Roblox has failed to implement ‘effective moderation or age verification systems,’ despite repeated public assurances that its platform is safe for kids.

The statement revealed that the lawsuit was filed by County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison on behalf of the people of the state of California. Harrison emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not about a minor lapse in safety. It is about a company that gives pedophiles powerful tools to prey on innocent and unsuspecting children. The trauma that results is horrific, from grooming, to exploitation, to actual assault. This needs to stop.’

Roblox, which claims to have 144 million daily users worldwide, with over 40% under the age of 13, has been under fire over child safety concerns. In response, the company has introduced age-based content limits, messaging restrictions, and selfie age verification for millions of young users. Despite these measures, Roblox has faced scrutiny and restrictions in numerous countries worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, and Malaysia.