The Netherlands investigates Roblox due to potential threats to children

The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched a formal investigation into the American gaming platform Roblox due to potential risks to underage users in the European Union. This is stated in a statement from the regulator.

The ACM said the investigation is being conducted under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires online platforms to implement appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, security and child protection.

The regulator, which is responsible for enforcing the DSA in the Netherlands, noted that protecting minors from online abuse and manipulation is one of its key priorities. In this regard, ACM intends to determine whether Roblox has complied with the requirements of the law.

The statement also notes that the platform has repeatedly been the subject of public attention due to concerns about children's possible access to violent or explicit content, reports of malicious activity, and the use of deceptive practices to encourage in-app purchases.

Over the past few months, ACM has received complaints about these issues and requested additional information from the company as part of a preliminary analysis. After evaluating the data provided, the regulator decided to proceed with a full investigation.

The investigation is expected to take about a year. If violations are found, Roblox may be subject to enforcement measures, including mandatory orders, fines, or orders with periodic financial penalties.

Roblox is one of the most popular online platforms in the world: in the third quarter of 2025, its average daily audience was 151.5 million users. The service has previously been blocked in Turkey and Iraq due to concerns about the possible exploitation of children.

Roblox, Netherlands, online child protection, Digital Services Act, ACM investigation