Roblox sued by LA County over allegations of failing to protect children

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LOS ANGELES - On Thursday, Los Angeles County officials announced they are suing Roblox, alleging the company failed to protect children from exploitation and predatory behavior.

What we know:

Los Angeles County is suing the social media gaming platform, accusing it of endangering and exploiting children and failing to protect them from predatory conduct.

The lawsuit alleges that "children in Los Angeles County have been repeatedly exposed to sexually explicit content, exploitation and grooming on Roblox because the company chooses to put corporate profit over the safety of children."

It also accuses the platform of failing to implement effective moderation systems to keep children safe.

What they're saying:

The lawsuit was filed by County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison on behalf of the People of the State of California.

"This is not about a minor lapse in safety. It is about a company that gives pedophiles powerful tools to prey on innocent and unsuspecting children," Harrison said. "The trauma that results is horrific, from grooming, to exploitation, to actual assault. This needs to stop."

"This lawsuit is about protecting children from online predators and inappropriate content," Los Angeles County Board Chair and 1st District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said in a statement. "Roblox has a responsibility to keep kids safe, but instead it has allowed its platform to become a place where children can be exposed to grooming and exploitation. Los Angeles County is taking action to hold the company accountable and demand real safeguards."

"This lawsuit highlights the alarming reality of what happens when Big Tech puts profits over our children’s safety," said Rafael Carbajal, director of the county’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. "Roblox has long been aware that predators use its product to target and exploit children, yet it has failed to take the actions necessary to prevent this horrific practice. Children are paying the price."

By the numbers:

Roblox has reported about 151 million daily active users, and more than 40% are under age 13.