Florida AG Alleges Roblox Is A Predator “Breeding Ground,” Opens Investigation

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching an investigation into developer Roblox Corporation, alleging that the online game creator Roblox is a “breeding ground” for predators that enables child abuse.

In a press release from the Republican’s office, Uthmeier said he and his team will be issuing Roblox Corporation “criminal subpoenas” for “profiting off of our kids and exposing them to the most dangerous of harms.” This investigation will allow Uthmeier to determine whether the company’s action or inaction aids child abuse.

“Companies like Roblox have become breeding grounds for predators to get to and have access to our kids,” Uthmeier said in an October 20 video posted to X. “These criminal subpoenas will enable us to gather more information for our prosecutors about the criminal activity taking place on the Roblox platform, as well as evidence on the predators that are out there and the victims that are abused.”

Roblox has faced scrutiny over its child safety, particularly following a June 2024 Bloomberg report that found the platform has a rampant pedophile problem. AGs Russell Coleman (R-Kentucky) and Liz Murrill (R-Louisiana) have issued lawsuits against Roblox for failing to protect children and facilitating the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Meanwhile, two other lawsuits–one filed in Georgia and another in St. Louis–alleged that two kids (one eight and the other 13) were targeted by predators. Nearly 40% of Roblox’s users are under the age of 13, and although Roblox vice president of civility and partnerships Tami Bhaumik said the recent negative press towards the game is based on events from “five years ago,” these lawsuits were filed this year.

This is what prompted Uthmeier to investigate Roblox Corporation. He explained in the full subpoena that, through the multiple investigations revealing that predators are grooming minors with the in-game currency Robux, the company must face justice.

“At the end of the day, we will stop at nothing to fight to protect our kids,” he said. “And companies that act carelessly and expose them to harm will be held accountable.”

Roblox Corporation now must respond to the subpoena and appear before Tampa, Florida’s assistant statewide prosecutor Rita Pavan Peters on December 20.