Roblox Mandatory Facial Verification 2026: Biometrics for Child Safety

Want to use the chat? You'll need to show your face first. Roblox has officially implemented mandatory facial verification for all users who want to access communication features, marking a major shift in how the platform handles child safety.

How the Mandatory Facial Verification for Roblox Chat Works

To complete the age-check process, users must allow camera access within the app and follow on-screen instructions. The verification is handled by a third-party vendor, Persona. According to Roblox, all biometric data is deleted immediately after processing. Users aged 13 and older can opt for ID verification as an alternative to the facial scan.

Dividing the Metaverse into 6 Age Brackets

Once verified, users are placed into one of 6 distinct age groups designed to prevent inappropriate interactions between minors and adults. These groups include Under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, and 21+.

This tiered system ensures that, for instance, a user in the 9-12 category can only chat with peers or those in the immediate brackets (Under 9 and 13-15). Chat is disabled by default for children under 9 unless a parent provides explicit consent through their own verification.

The rollout follows heavy legal pressure from attorneys general in Texas and Louisiana, who filed lawsuits alleging that the platform exposed young users to grooming and explicit content. Roblox argues that biometric checks are significantly more accurate than simply asking for a birth year.