The Hague, January 30, 2026 — The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has opened a formal investigation into game platform Roblox, focusing on whether the company takes sufficient measures to protect minor users in the European Union, particularly under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The probe will examine Roblox’s safeguards for children, including how the platform addresses risks linked to harmful content, online contact with malicious actors, and the use of potentially misleading design practices to encourage in-game purchases. The ACM said it has received multiple reports raising concerns about these issues and gathered information from Roblox during a preliminary inquiry, which prompted the launch of a formal investigation.
Roblox is especially popular among children and attracts tens of millions of daily users worldwide. The platform has previously drawn attention over concerns that minors may be exposed to violent or sexually suggestive games, targeted by bad actors through in-game interactions, or nudged toward spending money through so-called dark patterns.
The ACM said the investigation will assess whether Roblox complies with the DSA’s requirement that online platforms accessible to minors implement appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security. Protecting minors from online abuse and misleading practices is one of the ACM’s enforcement priorities under the DSA.
The authority declined to comment further on the substance of the investigation while it is ongoing. It said the review is expected to take around 12 months, reflecting the complexity of the issues involved and the fact that potential harm to minors may extend beyond purely financial effects.
Depending on the findings, the ACM may conclude that Roblox complies with the rules or take enforcement action, which could include a binding instruction, fines or penalty payments.
Under the DSA, which entered into force in early 2024, online platforms must also provide accessible reporting mechanisms for illegal content and respond to complaints promptly and with clear reasoning. The ACM oversees DSA compliance for platforms with their headquarters or legal representative in the Netherlands, including Roblox, while the largest platforms fall under the supervision of the European Commission.
Source: https://www.acm.nl/nl/publicaties/acm-start-onderzoek-naar-roblox-verband-met-risicos-minderjarigen
