Roblox CEO's Persistent Push for In-Game Dating Sparks Safety Concerns
2025-07-30 19:50:53Roblox CEO David Baszucki has reiterated his controversial proposal to introduce dating features to the popular gaming platform, despite approximately 40% of its user base consisting of minors. This marks the latest development in an ongoing discussion that began in 2023, when initial rumors surfaced about Roblox potentially evolving into a dating-oriented platform.
Two years prior, Baszucki first floated the idea that Roblox could serve as a digital space for adults to form romantic connections. The suggestion immediately drew criticism from media outlets and concerned parents. Undeterred by the backlash, the CEO maintains his position, even suggesting that parents concerned about their children's safety should simply prevent them from using Roblox altogether.
During a recent appearance on the TechStuff podcast, Baszucki elaborated on his vision for adult-only dating features that would require ID verification. He emphasized that Roblox's safety teams would work to maintain strict age restrictions. However, given the platform's history of minors bypassing age gates—similar to recent incidents where users circumvented age verification in other games—many child safety advocates remain skeptical about the feasibility of keeping such features truly adult-exclusive.
The proposal raises significant concerns given Roblox's troubled history with child safety. Since its inception, the platform has struggled to prevent inappropriate interactions between adults and minors, with several documented cases of predatory behavior. While Baszucki points to ID verification as a solution, experts note that current age-restriction technologies remain vulnerable to exploitation by determined minors.
When questioned about reports of Roblox users being arrested for grooming minors, Baszucki acknowledged the platform's challenges but maintained his focus on keeping users within Roblox's ecosystem. This stance becomes particularly concerning with dating features that would likely include tools for exchanging personal information and arranging real-world meetings—functionality that could potentially expose young users to greater risks.
The gaming community remains divided on Baszucki's persistent push for dating features. While some adult users welcome the idea of expanding Roblox's social capabilities, child safety organizations and parents continue to voice strong opposition. As the debate continues, many question whether Roblox's infrastructure can realistically support adult-oriented features while maintaining adequate protections for its substantial underage user base.