New York Eyes Loot Box Restrictions for Platforms Like Roblox

New York is preparing to take action against digital platforms that allow underage players to spend money without parental oversight. As a result, Roblox has once again come under fire.

Roblox Among the Chief Offenders Named by Hochul

In a new legislative package, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled new proposals to prevent digital platforms from harming children. Roblox, as a game that offers loot box-style mechanics, has once again been criticized.

Hochul’s proposals envision stricter controls for such platforms, including mandatory parental controls on transactions, as well as age-verification requirements for digital purchases. She argued that platforms, such as Roblox, expose children to harm and could also hurt their parents’ finances.

The status of loot boxes has long been a subject of a myriad of debates. While many concerned parents and critics have slammed such features as a system indistinguishable from gambling, others have interjected by pointing out that, unlike gambling, loot boxes always offer a reward and that said reward has no real-money value.

Over time, the definition has become rather blurred, however, as some games have allowed players to trade in-game items, leading to their use as a currency for gambling.

In any case, Gov. Hochul has firmly opposed the idea of allowing minors to purchase loot boxes unsupervised and essentially “gamble their parents’ money.”

The Measures Would Also Protect Kids from Predators

Hochul’s list of proposals was backed by NY Attorney General Letitia James, who also highlighted Roblox as one of the bigger offenders currently. James emphasized that platforms such as the popular game are creating “unsafe environments for children.”

In addition to acknowledging the problem with the loot boxes, James also pointed out that Roblox has been previously used by predators who have been sending explicit messages to children.

As a result, Hochul’s measures would also prohibit platforms, such as Roblox, from allowing non-connected users to contact or interact with minor users. Location sharing would also be disabled for all users under 18.

Hochul concluded that the proposed measures remove the burden of responsibility from parents and place it where it belongs – “on the shoulders of the app companies and platforms themselves.”