Growing Criticism Over Roblox’s Child Safety Policies
A petition calling for the removal of Roblox CEO David Baszucki has surpassed 120,000 verified signatures, reflecting mounting concerns over child safety on the platform. The controversy comes at a time when Roblox is facing increased scrutiny, including lawsuits and allegations that the company has failed to adequately protect its youngest players.
Roblox currently reports over 85 million daily active users, with more than half under the age of 16. Last week, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the company of “permitting and perpetuating an online environment in which child predators thrive.” Around the same time, a family in Iowa filed suit after claiming their 13-year-old child had been groomed and kidnapped through Roblox.
Petition to Remove David Baszucki Gains Momentum
The Change.org petition titled “Remove David Baszucki” is quickly gaining traction among players and parents. It accuses Roblox leadership of failing to act quickly against predators, allowing dangerous content to spread on the platform, and repeatedly ignoring community calls for reform. With over 120,000 supporters, the petition has become a focal point of the growing backlash.
Roblox Responds to Legal Pressure
Although neither Roblox nor Baszucki has publicly addressed the petition, the company has issued a response to the Louisiana lawsuit. Roblox stated that it has taken “significant strides in safety,” pointing to more than 40 new moderation features introduced over the past year. These include filtered chat systems and restrictions on direct image sharing—measures the company says are designed to curb predatory behavior and harmful content.
Financial Impact on Roblox
The controversies have already had a tangible effect on Roblox’s market performance. Shares fell more than 7% last week, although some recovery has been noted since. Investors remain wary of how ongoing lawsuits and public perception could affect the company’s long-term growth.
What Comes Next for Roblox?
Despite the backlash, Roblox continues to host some of the most popular online games, making it unlikely to fade from the industry anytime soon. However, with lawsuits, public petitions, and increased political attention, the company faces pressure to implement stronger protections and address concerns before the controversies further damage its reputation.
