Video game platform Roblox has announced new safety measures that will introduce age-based accounts for younger users as part of efforts to improve online protection and address global concerns over child safety.

The company said the new system will use age-check tools and parental verification to assign users into two categories: “Roblox Kids” for children aged 5 to 8 and “Roblox Select” for users aged 9 to 15. The rollout is expected to begin in early June.

According to Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman, the platform will also introduce stricter content standards governing what appears on each type of account.

“We will also introduce, at the same time, new requirements on what content standards must be met in order to have content or games appear in either the Roblox Kids account or the Roblox Select account,” he said.

The company has faced increased scrutiny in recent years from governments and child safety advocates over concerns about exposure to inappropriate content and exploitation risks on the platform.

Under the new system, games accessible to “Roblox Kids” will be restricted based on age-appropriate content ratings and subject to a three-step review process, including strict eligibility checks for developers.

Chat functions will be disabled by default for “Kids” accounts, while access for “Select” accounts will be gradually introduced depending on age.

As part of the updated developer requirements, Roblox will require identity verification, two-factor authentication, and an active subscription to Roblox Plus, a new service launching on 30 April at a cost of $4.99 per month.

The subscription will offer users discounts on in-game purchases as well as additional platform benefits.