TLDR
- Roblox plunges 14% after Dutch watchdog opens major child-safety probe
- RBLX tumbles as EU regulators tighten scrutiny on child protection risks
- Dutch regulators investigate Roblox over child safety and dark patterns
- Roblox shares slide sharply as Europe ramps up child-safety enforcement
- EU probe sparks heavy selloff in Roblox amid rising safety concerns
Roblox (RBLX) fell sharply after Dutch regulators opened a formal probe into the platform’s child-safety practices. The stock traded near $65.16, down 13.96%, after a heavy late-morning selloff. The decline continued through the afternoon as the scrutiny intensified.
Dutch Watchdog Launches Child-Safety Investigation
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets opened an investigation to assess Roblox’s safeguards for underage European users. The regulator aims to determine whether the platform meets EU safety and privacy rules for minors. The probe will run for about one year and will assess several risk areas.
Officials noted rising concerns about violent or sexual content allegedly accessible to minors on the platform. They also highlighted reports of adults attempting to contact children through various Roblox experiences. Moreover, the authority indicated that it had received enough complaints to justify a formal review.
The investigation will also cover design techniques that may influence children to spend money or stay online longer. These techniques, often referred to as dark patterns, remain a key focus for European regulators. The watchdog will examine whether Roblox uses such methods in ways that affect young users.
Regulatory Focus Expands Under the Digital Services Act
European authorities now enforce stricter rules under the Digital Services Act to protect minors online. The law requires platforms to apply effective safeguards that reduce risks linked to harmful content and unsafe interactions. National regulators can act when platforms may breach these obligations.
The Dutch authority said it may issue penalties or binding orders if it finds violations of these rules. It also stressed that platforms must prevent harmful exposure and protect young users from malicious behaviour. The regulator referenced earlier decisions that targeted similar issues within the gaming sector.
In 2024, the authority fined Fortnite maker Epic Games for practices that allegedly pressured children into purchases. That decision set a strong precedent for stricter enforcement across online entertainment platforms. The Roblox probe now extends that regulatory trend into another major gaming ecosystem.
Roblox Responds as Scrutiny Intensifies
Roblox stated that it remains committed to meeting all child-safety standards required under European rules. The company said it has already deployed new systems designed to limit contact between minors and adults. It also referenced the introduction of age checks for users who want access to communication features.
The firm said it would continue cooperating with regulators and provide documentation on its current safety measures. These measures include expanded content controls and improved monitoring tools across the platform. Roblox affirmed that it will support the review and maintain ongoing dialogue with the authority.
Regulators across Europe have increased pressure on platforms that attract large numbers of young users. They continue to examine gaming environments that allow open communication and user-generated content. The Roblox case now places further attention on industry compliance as the investigation progresses.
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