AMSTERDAM, Jan 30 (GeokHub) — The Netherlands’ consumer protection authority has launched a formal investigation into U.S.-based gaming platform Roblox over concerns about potential risks to underage users across the European Union, the regulator said on Friday.
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said it is examining whether Roblox is taking sufficient steps to protect minors, in line with obligations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The law requires online platforms to implement appropriate and proportionate safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of children using their services.
In a statement, the regulator said the probe will assess Roblox’s policies, systems, and enforcement mechanisms designed to reduce harm to young users, including exposure to inappropriate interactions and content.
Roblox said it is cooperating with the investigation and emphasized its commitment to EU regulations. A company spokesperson noted that the platform announced additional safety measures in November, including the introduction of age verification using facial recognition technology. The system aims to restrict direct communication between adults and children on the platform.
“We are strongly committed to complying with the EU Digital Services Act,” the spokesperson said, adding that Roblox will provide the ACM with further information on its child protection policies and technical safeguards.
The investigation comes amid continued global scrutiny of Roblox’s safety practices. The gaming platform, which is widely popular among children and teenagers, has faced criticism from advocacy groups and regulators over its handling of child safety concerns. In the United States, the company is currently facing multiple lawsuits related to alleged failures to adequately protect minors from harmful interactions.
The Dutch regulator did not provide a timeline for the conclusion of its investigation but said enforcement action could follow if violations of EU law are identified.
