Roblox Faces Backlash After Banning YouTuber for Hunting Predators

Roblox is facing massive criticism after a YouTuber known as Schlep was banned. Schlep gained fame for hunting online predators on the platform, but according to Roblox, he violated several of the service's terms.

Roblox, often described as a "virtual universe," is extremely popular among children and young people. In Sweden, six out of ten people aged eight to 19 use Roblox, according to the survey "Swedes and the Internet." Three out of ten use the platform as often as every day.

However, children's safety on Roblox has been criticized, with numerous reports of grooming on the platform. Interviews with moderators and developers at the company paint a picture of a platform so popular that moderation becomes an almost impossible task, writes Bloomberg.

YouTuber Schlep became known for hunting predators on Roblox, and according to him, his actions have led to the arrest of six individuals. In one of the popular clips, he pretends to be a minor player and arranges a meeting with a man who is then arrested by the police.

But now Roblox has banned Schlep, citing that his behavior violates the service's terms.

Storm of Criticism

Roblox claims that Schlep broke the rules by asking for personal information, encouraging users to move their conversations to services outside the platform, and participating in discussions about endangering children.

The storm of criticism has been swift, with many arguing that it is unreasonable to equate the methods used by predator hunters on the platform with those of the perpetrators. There have also been demands for Roblox CEO David Baszucki to resign.

Political demands are also being made. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna accuses Roblox of doing too little to protect children from grooming and has launched a petition he hopes will gather at least one million signatures.

Roblox has denied claims that the platform has a systematic problem with grooming.

Security Chief Matt Kaufmann told Bloomberg last year that it is a larger problem for the entire industry and that "tens of millions of people of all ages have a safe and positive experience on Roblox every day."

Plans for a Dating Feature

Despite reports of grooming and predators on the platform, CEO David Baszucki has been clear about wanting to develop a dating feature on Roblox, which has raised many eyebrows. There is currently no stated timeline for such a feature and no detailed information on how it would look, but Baszucki claims it would only be available to users who are of legal age and can identify themselves.

Baszucki has previously spoken extensively about parental responsibility when it comes to allowing children to use Roblox. "If you're not comfortable letting your children use Roblox, then you shouldn't let them do it," he has said.

A Widespread Problem

Louise Åhlén, who works with internet-related sexual crimes against children at the police's national operational department (Noa), does not think Roblox is a more dangerous platform for children than others.

"The problem exists on all popular platforms. But the police certainly welcome platforms reviewing their protection mechanisms. There is a responsibility, just like when starting a club or a youth center."

Louise Åhlén believes that parents best protect their children by being involved.

"The important thing is to talk to the children and show interest in what they do. Be attentive and listen. And if something has happened, it's important not to get angry and take away the phone and access to social media or games, but instead listen to what the children have to say."