Roblox sued by the state of Louisiana for 'permitting child predators to thrive'

There's substantially more heat on billion-dollar games titan Roblox as Louisiana state Attorney General Liz Murrill sues the company for allegedly creating an online environment where child predators are permitted to thrive.

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The state of Louisiana is suing Roblox for allegedly failing to protect the millions of minors on the platform. The scathing 39-page complaint alleges that Roblox "has permitted and perpetuated an online environment in which child predators thrive, directly contributing to the widespread victimization of minor children in Louisiana."

Louisiana AG Murrill outlines three causes for action in the complaint: 1) violation of Louisiana's Unfair Trade Practices Act (LUTPA) by willfully deceiving players about the dangers of child predators on the platform; 2) Negligence and public nuisance, claiming that Roblox has a responsibility to "protect children from predators" on the platform, including preventing registered sex offenders from making accounts; 3) and unjust enrichment, which states that Roblox sold their product to Louisiana citizens in "a manner that was unfair, unconscionable, and oppressive."

The state wants to secure a permanent injunctive order that would force Roblox to adhere LUTPA and, most importantly, force Roblox to admit that it does not have "adequate safety features."

Check below for a summary on the lawsuit as per Louisiana AG Murrill:

The lawsuit, brought in the 21th Judicial District of Louisiana, shows that through its online gaming service, Roblox:

• Has and continues to facilitate the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the sexual exploitation of Louisiana's children.
• Knowingly and intentionally fails to implement basic safety controls to protect child users from predators.
• Knowingly and intentionally fails to provide notice to parents and child users of its dangers.

"Due to Roblox's lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana. Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.