Dutch Regulators Probe Roblox Over Child Safety Fears

On January 30, 2026, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) announced the launch of a formal investigation into Roblox, the globally popular online gaming platform, over concerns about child safety and compliance with European Union regulations. The probe, which is expected to last around one year, shines a spotlight on the persistent worries surrounding children’s exposure to violent and sexually explicit content, as well as the broader risks that digital platforms pose to young users.

According to Reuters, the ACM’s investigation will scrutinize whether Roblox is taking adequate measures to protect minors, as mandated by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This sweeping legislation requires online platforms to adopt “appropriate and proportionate measures” to ensure a high level of safety and privacy for minors using their services. The ACM’s statement left little room for doubt about the seriousness of the situation: “The platform regularly makes the news, for example, due to concerns about violent or sexually explicit games that minors are exposed to.”

The ACM’s concerns don’t stop at inappropriate content. As reported by multiple outlets, the regulator is also investigating reports of “ill-intentioned” adults targeting children on Roblox, as well as allegations of misleading techniques designed to encourage purchases by minors. These issues aren’t new, but the ACM’s formal move signals a growing sense of urgency and accountability for tech companies operating in Europe.

Roblox, headquartered in the United States and boasting tens of millions of young users worldwide, has faced mounting global criticism for its handling of child safety. In the United States, the company is currently grappling with multiple lawsuits over allegations of failing to protect young users from predators and sexual exploitation. The Dutch investigation adds yet another layer of scrutiny for the gaming giant at a time when regulators worldwide are tightening their grip on digital platforms.

In response to the ACM’s probe, a Roblox spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance. “We are strongly committed to complying with the EU Digital Services Act,” the spokesperson said, as reported by Reuters. The company also pointed to a key policy change announced in November 2025: the introduction of age verification via facial recognition. This measure aims to limit communication between children and adults on the platform, a move Roblox says is part of a broader effort to protect minors. “We look forward to providing the ACM with further clarity on the many policies and safeguards we have in place to protect minors,” the spokesperson added.

Roblox’s recent efforts to bolster safety include more than just age verification. According to financial news site TipRanks, the company has invested significantly in building robust systems that align with the DSA’s principles. “We have invested significantly in building robust systems that align with the DSA’s principles, including working to ensure the safety, security and privacy of minors,” Roblox stated. The platform has also introduced age check requirements for all users wishing to chat with others, a move designed to further limit unwanted interactions between children and adults.

However, the ACM’s investigation comes in the wake of a similar high-profile enforcement action. In 2024, the Dutch regulator fined Fortnite maker Epic Games 1.1 million euros (about $1.2 million), finding that the company had exploited vulnerable children and pressured them into making in-game purchases. The ACM made clear that if Roblox is found to have violated the DSA, it could face a “binding instruction, fine, or penalty.” The regulator’s willingness to levy significant fines underscores the high stakes for Roblox and other digital platforms operating in the EU.

The investigation is unfolding against a broader backdrop of regulatory crackdowns on social media and gaming platforms. Recent months have seen France and Australia take bold steps to restrict social media use among young people, with French lawmakers approving a law to ban social media for children under 15 and Australia’s ban for young users taking effect. Meanwhile, other tech giants such as Meta and Amazon have also come under regulatory fire for various issues related to user safety and platform reliability.

Roblox’s stock price reflected the market’s jitters following the news of the Dutch probe. As reported by TipRanks, shares in Roblox fell on January 30, 2026, underscoring investor concerns about the potential financial and reputational impact of regulatory action. Legal and regulatory scrutiny is a key risk for online platforms, as management and investors well know. The possibility of heavy fines, not to mention the damage to a company’s public image, looms large over the industry.

The ACM’s move also comes at a time when the dangers posed by digital platforms to children are under intense public scrutiny. In 2026 alone, concerns have been raised about children’s exposure to sexual imagery not just on Roblox, but also in relation to the Grok chatbot and Elon Musk’s social media site X. These incidents have fueled broader debates about the responsibilities of tech companies and the need for effective safeguards in an increasingly digital world.

For Roblox, the Dutch investigation is both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it faces the prospect of regulatory penalties and further legal battles if the ACM finds it has failed to protect children adequately. On the other, it has a chance to demonstrate leadership by implementing best-in-class safety measures and setting a positive example for the industry. As the ACM probe unfolds, the company’s actions will be closely watched not just by regulators, but also by parents, policymakers, and investors worldwide.

Looking ahead, the stakes for Roblox and similar platforms are only likely to rise. The EU’s Digital Services Act represents a new era of accountability, with regulators empowered to impose significant penalties for non-compliance. The ACM’s investigation into Roblox could set important precedents for how online platforms are expected to safeguard young users—not just in Europe, but across the globe.

As the investigation enters its first months, all eyes will be on the ACM’s findings and Roblox’s next moves. The outcome could reshape the landscape for children’s safety in online gaming, offering lessons—and warnings—for the entire tech industry.