South Dakota Reaches $15 Million Roblox Settlement Requiring Major Child Safety Changes
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Monday that the State of South Dakota has reached a $15 million settlement with Roblox Corporation, the global immersive gaming and creation platform. The agreement establishes sweeping new child‑safety requirements on the platform and directs millions of dollars toward protecting children and strengthening education across the state.
“This settlement is about protecting our kids,” Jackley said. “South Dakota is establishing a national standard for platforms to protect kids and work with law enforcement to help parents. It improves online security and provides funds to those state agencies involved in protection and education.”
Where the Money Will Go
Under the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, Roblox will make payments over four years totaling $8.6 million, along with a $1 million PSA campaign, and potential liquidated damages up to $5.4 million if the company fails to meet its obligations.
Year One
· $2.6 million to fund the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
· $1 million to underwrite a two‑year statewide PSA campaign focused on online child safety and safe interactions on Roblox.
Year Two
· $2.5 million to the South Dakota Department of Education, with 20% dedicated to governmental and nonprofit after‑school programs.
Year Three
· $2.5 million to the Department of Education, again with 20% for after‑school programs.
Year Four
· $1 million to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Fund, supporting future investigations and litigation involving consumer protection violations.
If Roblox materially breaches the agreement’s safety provisions, South Dakota may collect up to $5.4 million in additional damages, depending on the year of the violation.
Governor Rhoden Praises the Agreement
“Keeping South Dakota safe isn’t limited to our streets. It extends to our digital world where our children spend more time than ever before,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden. “I am grateful for Attorney General Jackley’s leadership on this issue. We will continue to work together to build a safer South Dakota.”
Major Safety Changes Coming to Roblox
The settlement requires Roblox to implement some of the strongest child‑protection measures in the country. According to the agreement:
· All users must undergo age verification using facial age estimation or government‑issued ID before accessing chat features. The document states Roblox will “require all Users…to undergo age assurance procedures beyond their self‑reported age…to access Chat.”
· Adult–minor chat will be blocked unless the adult is a verified Trusted Friend.
· Communication involving minors will not be encrypted, allowing law enforcement to investigate exploitation more effectively. The agreement notes Roblox “will continue to not encrypt User communications involving Minor Users.”
· Parents will gain expanded controls, including:
o Chat permissions
o Friend approvals
o Content maturity settings
o Spending limits and Robux transfer restrictions
o Privacy and visibility settings
o Time‑online monitoring
· Default content protections will apply to all users under 16 without a linked parent account, limiting access to age‑appropriate experiences.
· Sensitive political, social, or religious content will require parental consent for users under 16.
· Roblox must maintain a regional law‑enforcement liaison, provide training to South Dakota agencies, and continue reporting serious safety threats to authorities.
A National Model for Child Safety
South Dakota is among several states negotiating agreements with Roblox. A “most favored nation” clause ensures South Dakota automatically receives any stronger protections or higher payments that Roblox later agrees to with other states.
PSA Campaign Will Launch Within One Year
Roblox will fund a two‑year multimedia campaign valued at $1 million, focused on online child safety and safe use of Roblox. South Dakota may recommend local organizations and on‑camera talent for the campaign.
The complete Assurance of Voluntary Compliance is available at: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/Roblox%20SD%20-%20AVC.pdf
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