ROBLOX, the often-debated online gaming platform, has rolled out a new age verification feature that employs facial age estimation to regulate access to its player-to-player chat based on user age groups.

Though not classified as a social media platform and therefore not subject to the forthcoming minimum age requirements for social media users, ROBLOX has engaged in discussions with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. These talks center around the platform’s obligations under the Online Safety Act, which mandates that services take significant steps to ensure the safety of children online.

The company has implemented an innovative age estimation method utilizing a device’s camera to scan a user’s face. This process is akin to setting up facial recognition for unlocking a smartphone. The scan helps determine a user’s estimated age.

Importantly, any data, including photos and videos captured during the scan, is promptly deleted once the process concludes. Users then receive an estimated age based on the scan.

Following this verification, users are restricted to chatting online only with peers in their designated age group, categorized as 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, or 21 and over.

For families or siblings, it will be possible to chat across age groups, only with real-world connections, verified through a QR code, or by confirming each user has a mobile number saved as a contact for each other in their phone.

Starting today all users can voluntarily go through the age estimation process, but as of the first week of December the age-check will be required in Australia, expanding globally early in the new year.