Roblox CEO Discusses New Age Verification Feature on The New York Times’ Hard Fork Podcast
During a recent appearance on The New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast, Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki shared insights into the gaming platform’s latest age verification feature. The discussion initially focused on the new requirement for users to submit a face scan to access Roblox’s messaging functions.
However, as the interview progressed, Baszucki appeared to become frustrated with the repeated emphasis on child safety concerns. When asked about allegations that the company prioritized growth over safety, he responded with a hint of exasperation, signaling a desire to move on from the topic.
Co-host Kevin Roose suggested that enhancing Roblox’s AI models could be a key strategy for improving child safety. Baszucki seemed eager to emphasize the alignment between this suggestion and the company’s existing efforts, remarking, “Good, so you’re aligning with what we did. High-five.”
Despite the focus on child safety throughout the interview, Baszucki expressed his enthusiasm for engaging in a broader discussion. He emphasized his love for the podcast and his willingness to delve into various topics beyond age-gating.