According to Polygon, Roblox announced on November 18th that it’s implementing a comprehensive age verification system requiring either facial recognition through Persona or government ID checks. Users who don’t verify lose access to basic text chat features, and the platform now segregates communication into six age brackets: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, or 21+. The system is already failing spectacularly, with reports of adults being identified as 12-year-olds and teenagers being flagged as 18+. Starting early next year, Roblox will also monitor all platform chat, block social media links, and provide more blocking tools. Despite the problems, Roblox claims this approach will become an “industry standard” for online safety.
The verification mess is already here
Look, age verification sounds great in theory. But in practice? It’s a disaster. We’re seeing grown women being told they’re 12 years old, 14-year-olds getting passed as adults – basically the exact opposite of what this system is supposed to accomplish. And here’s the thing: when the facial recognition fails, your only option is to submit government ID. Who wants to hand over their driver’s license or passport just to play a game? Especially to a platform that’s had security issues in the past.
This isn’t just about Roblox
Roblox might be the canary in the coal mine here. Discord’s already rolled out similar checks in some regions. Australia’s about to force companies like Google to age-verify users. Apple just announced Digital ID for iPhones. Even Blizzard sometimes asks for ID for account recovery. We’re heading toward an internet where you can’t do anything without proving who you are first. And honestly, that’s kind of terrifying.
But what about our data?
Companies like Persona promise they’ll delete your information immediately and not sell it. Great. But Discord’s verification system got hacked in less than a year. These breaches aren’t theoretical – they’re happening. And once your biometric data or ID is out there, you can’t exactly change your face or get a new social security number. There’s also the bigger question of how governments might use this data. We’ve already seen biometrics used in immigration enforcement. Where does it stop?
The annoying internet future
Basically, we’re trading convenience for safety. And I get it – protecting kids from predators is important. But having to jump through hoops just to chat with friends in a game? That feels like overkill. The worst part? There’s no real alternative. If you want to participate in modern online spaces, you’ll eventually need to verify. Roblox users are complaining now, but this is coming to everyone. Whether it’s gaming, social media, or even search engines, the age of anonymous internet is ending. And honestly? That sucks.
