Roblox sued by Los Angeles over claims platform ‘makes children easy prey for pedophiles’
The Guardian World
by Agence-France PressFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the popular online gaming platform of failing to protect children from sexual content, exploitation, and predators. The county alleges that Roblox's inadequate moderation and flawed age-verification systems make it easier for predators to target minors on its platform. These claims have been strongly denied by Roblox officials, who argue they take child safety seriously and continuously improve their policies. The case has sparked significant concern among parents and policymakers, highlighting the challenges of regulating online spaces where children interact.
Roblox is a widely used gaming and social platform designed for children aged 13 and under, but it is also popular among older teens and young adults. The company allows users to create and join virtual worlds, play games, and engage in social activities. However, officials in Los Angeles claim that Roblox's lack of robust age-verification measures has enabled predators to pose as adults or access inappropriate content, creating a dangerous environment for minors.
The lawsuit details specific allegations, including instances where minors were exposed to explicit material and approached by individuals seeking to exploit them. Los Angeles County asserts that Roblox's current moderation practices are insufficient to prevent such incidents, leading to potential harm to children using the platform. The county is seeking damages and changes to how Roblox operates to ensure greater safety for its young users.
This legal action underscores broader concerns about child safety in online gaming environments. As digital platforms continue to evolve, questions arise about their responsibility in safeguarding minors from exploitation. The case also highlights the challenges of enforcing age restrictions and content moderation across global networks. For parents and regulators, this issue is particularly pressing, as it reflects a growing need for stricter oversight
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026