Los Angeles County Sues Roblox on February 19, 2026, Over Child Safety Failures

Los Angeles County is suing Roblox over child safety. This lawsuit claims the gaming platform puts children at risk from predators and bad content, saying safety is ignored for money.
By Newsroom | Law, Technology |

Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against the online gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns that the company has not adequately protected child users from predators and inappropriate content. County officials announced the suit on Thursday, February 19, 2026, alleging that Roblox's business practices endanger and exploit children, placing corporate profits above user safety. This action is the latest in a series of similar legal challenges faced by the company regarding child safety measures.

Legal Action Against Roblox

Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit on February 19, 2026, against the online gaming platform Roblox. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Roblox of failing to protect minors from sexual predators and inappropriate content.

The lawsuit claims that Roblox's platform design, safety features, and monetization practices allegedly expose children to harm. Officials contend that the company has knowingly operated a platform that enables the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors, including children residing in Los Angeles County.

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Key allegations in the complaint include:

  • Failure to Protect: Roblox is accused of not implementing sufficient safeguards to shield children from predatory behavior and sexually explicit content.

  • Deceptive Marketing: The suit alleges that Roblox has marketed itself as a safe platform for younger players while, in reality, it exposes them to danger.

  • Profit Over Safety: A central claim is that Roblox prioritizes corporate profit over the safety and well-being of its young user base.

Roblox, headquartered in California, has stated that it strongly disputes the claims. The company maintains that it has advanced safeguards and focuses consistently on safety.

Los Angeles County Sues Roblox Over Ongoing Child-Safety Concerns - 1

Allegations of Platform Vulnerabilities

The lawsuit highlights how Roblox's own design features are allegedly exploited by predators. While the platform allows users to create experiences, attorneys for Los Angeles County argue these same features make it vulnerable to abuse.

The complaint states that Roblox has enabled obscene material to flourish and created "foreseeable pathways" for predators to find, groom, and exploit children. Specific concerns raised include:

  • Platform Design: The structure of Roblox is seen as contributing to vulnerabilities.

  • Communication Settings: Default settings are reportedly exploited.

  • Lack of Verification: Insufficient age verification and moderation mechanisms are cited as significant issues.

Roblox's Defense and Existing Measures

Roblox has issued statements asserting its commitment to safety. The company pointed to its Safety Center as a resource for parents and highlighted existing measures.

  • Safeguards: Roblox claims to have advanced safeguards monitoring the platform for harmful content and communications.

  • Content Restrictions: The company states that users cannot send or receive images via chat.

  • Age Verification: As of January 2026, Roblox reportedly requires a facial age check to access chat features and sorts players into age groups.

  • Parental Controls: The platform offers parental controls allowing parents to block games or users.

Roblox stated in a release that "Safety is a constant and consistent focus of our work." The company also noted that it takes swift action against rule violators and works with law enforcement.

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Los Angeles County Sues Roblox Over Ongoing Child-Safety Concerns - 2

This lawsuit is not an isolated incident. Roblox is facing similar legal actions in other jurisdictions, including Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Kentucky.

In December 2025, a Southern California family filed a lawsuit claiming a 12-year-old user met a sexual predator on the platform. The current Los Angeles County suit seeks marketing injunctions and substantial daily penalties for violations.

The legal action against Roblox occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of social media companies regarding child safety, with a notable trial involving Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg taking place concurrently.

Expert and Official Commentary

Los Angeles County Counsel Harrison expressed dissatisfaction with Roblox's safety efforts, stating, "she is not impressed with Roblox's efforts on child safety." County officials, including Kuhn, are seeking changes in how Roblox operates to prioritize child protection over profit. Carbajal, quoted in the filing, described the platform as a "digital and real-life nightmare for kids" rather than a safe space.

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Implications and Next Steps

The lawsuit by Los Angeles County aims to hold Roblox accountable and demand the implementation of "real safeguards." The county is seeking stronger age verification tools, including the use of identification, and independent monitors for platform conduct.

Roblox has 30 days from being served to respond to the suit. The company may file an answer, seek delays, or attempt to move the matter to federal court. The filing, an 82-page document, criticizes the company for allegedly conducting a "campaign of lies" and using "phony guardrails."

Sources:

  • Los Angeles County Sues Roblox Over Ongoing Child-Safety Concerns

  • Source: CNET

  • Link: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/los-angeles-county-sues-roblox-child-safety-concerns/

  • Summary Context: Reports on the lawsuit, its allegations, and Roblox's defense, mentioning specific platform design elements and safety features.

  • Los Angeles County Sues Roblox Over Child Safety Allegations

  • Source: USA Today

  • Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/california/2026/02/19/la-county-sues-roblox-child-safety/88761736007/

  • Summary Context: Details the lawsuit's announcement, significance in California where Roblox is headquartered, and links to previous legal actions.

  • LA County Sues Roblox for Unfair and Deceptive Business Practices that Endanger and Exploit Children – COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

  • Source: Los Angeles County Official Website

  • Link: https://lacounty.gov/2026/02/19/la-county-sues-roblox-for-unfair-and-deceptive-business-practices-that-endanger-and-exploit-children/

  • Summary Context: Provides the official announcement from the County of Los Angeles, outlining the core allegations of failing to protect children and prioritizing profit.

  • Los Angeles County files lawsuit against Roblox over child protections

  • Source: NBC Los Angeles

  • Link: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/los-angeles-county-roblow-lawsuit/3850543/

  • Summary Context: Covers the lawsuit filing, Roblox's statement, and mentions a prior lawsuit by a Southern California family.

  • LA County accuses Roblox of exposing children to online predators in new lawsuit

  • Source: ABC 7

  • Link: https://abc7.com/post/los-angeles-county-accuses-roblox-exposing-children-online-predators-new-lawsuit/18623326/

  • Summary Context: Reports on the lawsuit's core accusations, demands for stronger age verification, and Roblox's response, including its advanced safeguards.

  • Roblox Hit With Multimillion-Dollar Suit By L.A. County Claiming Gaming Platform Leaves “Children Easy Prey For Pedophiles”

  • Source: Deadline

  • Link: https://deadline.com/2026/02/roblox-sued-child-danger-pedophiles-1236729811/

  • Summary Context: Emphasizes the severity of the allegations, describing the platform as a "toxic environment" and detailing the penalties sought in the lawsuit.

  • Roblox Sued by L.A. County, Alleging It Gives ‘Pedophiles Powerful Tools to Prey’ on Kids, Latest in String of Similar Lawsuits

  • Source: Variety

  • Link: https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/roblox-sued-la-county-1236667901/

  • Summary Context: Places the L.A. County lawsuit within the context of similar ongoing cases and mentions Roblox's beefed-up safety protocols and age verification.

  • Los Angeles sues Roblox over child exploitation claim

  • Source: Gulf News

  • Link: https://gulfnews.com/technology/los-angeles-sues-roblox-over-child-exploitation-claim-1.500449326

  • Summary Context: Briefly outlines the lawsuit's claims regarding inadequate moderation, unfit age verification, and positions it as part of broader efforts to hold online firms accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Los Angeles County sue Roblox on February 19, 2026?
Los Angeles County sued Roblox because they believe the company does not do enough to protect children on its platform from predators and inappropriate content. Officials say Roblox puts making money ahead of keeping kids safe.
Q: What are the main accusations against Roblox in the lawsuit filed on February 19, 2026?
The lawsuit accuses Roblox of not having enough safety rules to stop predators and bad content. It also claims the platform's design makes it easy for bad people to find and harm children, and that Roblox has not been honest about how safe its platform is.
Q: How does Los Angeles County want Roblox to change its practices?
The county wants Roblox to use better ways to check ages, like asking for ID. They also want outside groups to watch how the company protects children and to make sure Roblox stops using business methods that put children in danger.
Q: What has Roblox said about the lawsuit filed on February 19, 2026?
Roblox has said they disagree with the lawsuit's claims. The company states that they have strong safety tools and are always working to make their platform safer. They also mentioned having features like age checks for chat and parental controls.
Q: Is this the first time Roblox has faced lawsuits about child safety?
No, this lawsuit from Los Angeles County is one of several legal actions Roblox is facing. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states like Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Kentucky, showing a pattern of concerns about child safety on the platform.