Louisiana Takes A Stand Against Harmful Content On Roblox

Louisiana is the first state in the country to file a lawsuit against a popular online gaming site. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed a child protection lawsuit against Roblox which is the number 1 gaming site for children and teens. Murrill says the site is "overrun with harmful content and child predators."

She says "it’s also the No. 1 site for sex predators.”

What Does Louisiana Accuse Roblox of Doing to Harm Children

Murrill says Roblox has nearly 82 million daily active users and 56% of them are under the age of 16. The Louisiana lawsuit claims Roblox allows for the distribution of child sex abuse material, fails to implement basic safety controls to protect child users and it fails to provide notice to parents and child users of the possible dangers.

Murrill says there is no age minimum and requirement to verify age or parental permission once you sign-up for the service. She says users can easily find sexually explicit material.

What Is Some of the Harmful Content?

Murrill says “sex simulation experiences, public bathroom simulations, which are listed as appropriate for kids age nine and over, ‘Escape to Epstein Island.’ There were hundreds of these for all ages.”

Why This Louisiana Lawsuit Was Filed

The lawsuit was filed in Livingston Parish where Sheriff Jason Ard says just last month his deputies arrested an man suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material and the suspect was actively using the online platform Roblox.

During the news conference, Sheriff Ard said “we had a suspect who was on Roblox, posing as a 14-year-old girl, basically doing what he does.”

Murrill says Roblox is in violation of Louisiana law. She is asking for a permanent injunction. She also wants Roblox to be blocked from operating in the state if it doesn’t have adequate safety features. The company could also be ordered to pay restitution to Louisiana.