Roblox, a platform with more than 90 million daily active users, has long marketed itself as a safe and creative space for players of all ages. However, the company continues to face backlash over how it handles harmful content and user safety. Each time Roblox strengthens its moderation systems, determined groups of players find new ways to bypass restrictions.
One of the most recent missteps was the sudden disappearance of Roblox CEO David Baszucki’s profile, which temporarily vanished earlier this year. While Roblox has not provided a full explanation, the incident drew criticism from players questioning the platform’s overall stability and transparency.
Chat System Overhaul Backfires
In May, Roblox retired its LegacyChatService in favor of TextChatService, a move designed to align with updated parental control requirements. The change was meant to strengthen protections against inappropriate speech and ensure a safer environment for children. While effective at limiting what can be typed directly into chat, the new system has inadvertently driven users to find alternative ways of expressing harmful content.
Spray Paint! Becomes a Hub for Hate
A recent CBS News investigation exposed how a popular Roblox game, Spray Paint!, has become a tool for spreading hate speech. The game, set in a virtual skate park, allows players to graffiti walls with art or messages. While many use the feature for creative expression, walls and ramps have been plastered with swastikas, racial slurs, and references to the Third Reich.
This revelation puts Roblox’s moderation practices under scrutiny once again. The company claims it relies on a human review team to evaluate flagged content and encourages community reporting, but critics argue these reactive measures fail to prevent harmful material from spreading in the first place.
Lawsuits and Legal Pressure Mount
Roblox’s problems extend beyond hate speech. The state of Louisiana is currently suing the company for failing to protect children after reports that predators used the platform to target minors. One disturbing case involved the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl, which has fueled criticism that Roblox is not doing enough to safeguard its youngest players.
With the Spray Paint! controversy now in the spotlight, Roblox may face additional legal pressure over its inability to proactively block offensive and dangerous content.
Parental Restrictions Fall Short
Roblox introduced new restrictions in late 2024, limiting access to certain games based on age ratings. Titles marked above “Mild” are off-limits to users under nine, unless parental consent is granted. However, games like Spray Paint! carry only a “Moderate” rating, meaning players over the age of 13 can access them freely. Critics argue that the rating system does little to prevent exposure to inappropriate content, especially in games where harmful imagery is player-generated.
A Success Story Amid Controversy
Despite mounting scandals, Roblox still boasts success stories. The farming simulator Grow a Garden surpassed Fortnite’s concurrent player count in July, cementing itself as the platform’s most-played game of all time. With features like the quirky “bacon pig” ability, the game continues to attract new players daily and stands as a reminder of Roblox’s potential when used as a creative outlet.
But for every success, Roblox’s darker side remains in the headlines. From hate speech and predatory behavior to lawsuits and moderation failures, the company faces growing skepticism about whether it can truly deliver on its promise of being a safe space for all.
