Roblox's Child Predator Problem Exposed: A Concerning Issue Amidst 380 Million Users

Roblox, a popular mobile and console game, has a child predator problem with custom games allowing for the exploitation of children. A Roblox YouTuber, Schlep, has exposed the issue and helped in the arrest of six child predators. However, Roblox responded with a cease and desist letter and terminated Schlep's accounts, highlighting a glaring example where reporting a crime is punished more harshly than the crime itself.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed a lawsuit against the popular online gaming platform Roblox, alleging that the company has failed to implement effective safety measures to protect child users from adult predators. The lawsuit, filed in state court, claims that Roblox's lack of safety protocols has created an environment where sexual predators "thrive, unite, hunt, and victimize kids" [1].

The lawsuit comes amidst growing concerns about child exploitation on the platform. In 2025, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly introduced to an adult predator on Roblox, subsequently kidnapped and trafficked across multiple states, and raped [1]. Additionally, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard has reported multiple cases involving Roblox, including one where a man used voice-altering technology to pose as a girl on the platform [1].

Roblox has faced criticism for its handling of child safety. The company does not allow users to share videos or images in chats and tries to block personal information, but these safeguards are often circumvented. Roblox's website states that it has a "zero-tolerance policy for the exploitation of minors" and does not allow children under 13 to chat with other users outside of games unless they have explicit parental permission. However, there is no substantial age verification process upon sign-up, allowing young children, teens, and adults posing as children to access the platform [1].

In response to mounting criticism, Roblox has implemented additional safety measures. The company has rolled out an artificial intelligence system to detect possible child endangerment and has reported 1,200 potential cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the first half of 2025 [1]. However, Murrill argues that these measures are insufficient and that Roblox should be shut down [1].

The lawsuit seeks permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Roblox from violating Louisiana’s Unfair Trade Practices law, banning false claims about its safety measures, and ordering restitution to the state along with any additional civil damages allowed by law [2]. Louisiana's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is assisting in such cases, working with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases [2].

In a separate incident, Roblox's CEO, David Baszucki, faced a wave of fury after the company sent a cease and desist letter to a YouTuber known for exposing alleged child predators on the platform. The YouTuber, known as "Schlep," had his accounts terminated for violating Roblox's terms of service, sparking widespread backlash and calls for Baszucki's resignation [3]. Schlep claims that his investigations led to six arrests of individuals attempting to groom minors on Roblox and that his motivations stem from personal experience with being groomed as a child on the platform [3].

The incident has reignited debate over platform moderation versus vigilante actions, with critics accusing Roblox of hypocrisy and placing legal threats above child safety. Campaigns such as "#FreeSchlep" and "#BoycottRoblox" have gained traction, supported by major creators [3].

Roblox Corporation has released a statement explaining its actions, stating that while vigilante groups have taken actions that are both well-intentioned and harmful, their actions have bypassed official moderation channels [3]. The company has not yet responded to the lawsuit filed by Louisiana.

References:
[1] https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2025-08-14/louisiana-sues-roblox-alleging-the-popular-gaming-site-fails-to-protect-children
[2] https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_6d65e3c9-913c-4614-8e97-bed0cf8b6d60.html
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/roblox-ceo-called-resign-sending-122601357.html