Louisiana Office of the Attorney General Files Lawsuit vs. Roblox

Photo Credit: Oberon Copeland

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed a lawsuit against video game platform Roblox for failing to protect children and other allegations.

Today, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced filing legal action against video game platform Roblox. Filed in the 21st Judicial District of Louisiana, the lawsuit alleges that Roblox facilitates the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the exploitation of children, as well as failing to implement “basic safety controls” to “protect child users from predators.”

“Due to Roblox’s lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana. Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home.”

Launched in 2006, Roblox is an interactive online gaming platform that facilitates “experiences” for users and allows them to create content of their own. It encourages and allows users to communicate with one another in real time.

According to Roblox’s own data, 20% of users are under the age of 9, while another 20% are aged 9-12. 56% of users are under the age of 16.

“Because there is no age minimum and requirement to verify age or parental permission once you sign up, users can easily say they are younger or older than their actual age—allowing child predators to pose as children and for children to bypass any age requirement,” writes the Attorney General’s office.

The announcement cites concerns with some of the user-created content on Roblox, “including Escape to Epstein Island, Diddy Party, and Public Bathroom Simulator.” Further, it mentions an incident in which law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home of a suspect possessing child sexual abuse material. At the time of the arrest, the suspect “was actively using the online platform Roblox” and had been using voice-altering software to “mimic the voice of a young female.”

“For these and other reasons, Roblox is in violation of Louisiana law. The State is seeking permanent injunctive relief and prohibiting them from: (1) Engaging in any activity in violation of Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act, (2) Representing that Roblox has adequate safety features, (3) Restitution to the State of Louisiana.”

The State is also seeking attorney’s fees, as well as all additional civil penalties and damages allowable under law.