LA County Sues Roblox Over Child Exploitation Claims

Lawsuit alleges gaming platform failed to protect kids from inappropriate content and online predators.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against the online video game platform Roblox, alleging the company engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices that exposed children to sexual content, exploitation, and online predators. The civil complaint claims Roblox prioritized profit over child safety and failed to implement adequate moderation and age-verification safeguards, despite marketing the platform as a safe space for children.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over the safety and protection of children in the digital age, as popular online platforms are increasingly scrutinized for their role in enabling predatory behavior and exposing minors to inappropriate content. The case could set a precedent for how governments hold tech companies accountable for the wellbeing of young users.

The details

The lawsuit alleges Roblox failed to adequately moderate user-generated content, enforce age restrictions, or disclose the extent of inappropriate material and risks posed by sexual predators on the platform. County officials claim Roblox gave "pedophiles powerful tools to prey on innocent and unsuspecting children" and that the resulting trauma from grooming, exploitation, and assault "needs to stop." Roblox has rejected the allegations, stating the company has "advanced safeguards" to monitor for harmful content and communications.

  • The lawsuit was filed by Los Angeles County on February 20, 2026.

The players

Roblox

An online video game platform with over 151 million daily active users and 380 million monthly users worldwide, more than 40% of whom are under age 13.

Hilda Solis

Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who stated the lawsuit is "about protecting children from online predators and inappropriate content."

Dawyn R. Harrison

Los Angeles County Counsel, who said the lawsuit is "about a company that gives pedophiles powerful tools to prey on innocent and unsuspecting children."

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What they’re saying

“This lawsuit is about protecting children from online predators and inappropriate content. Roblox has a responsibility to keep kids safe, but instead it has allowed its platform to become a place where children can be exposed to grooming and exploitation.”

— Hilda Solis, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (City News Service)

“This is not about a minor lapse in safety. It is about a company that gives pedophiles powerful tools to prey on innocent and unsuspecting children. The trauma that results is horrific, from grooming to exploitation to actual assault. This needs to stop.”

— Dawyn R. Harrison, Los Angeles County Counsel (City News Service)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, abatement, and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation per day against Roblox. The company has stated it will defend against the lawsuit vigorously.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing challenges of protecting children in the digital age, as popular online platforms face increased scrutiny over their role in enabling predatory behavior and exposing minors to inappropriate content. The outcome of this lawsuit could set an important precedent for how governments hold tech companies accountable for safeguarding young users.