Florida launches criminal investigation into Roblox over failure to protect kids from predators

Uthmeier said in a press release, “Platforms like Roblox have become breeding grounds for predators to gain access to our kids. We will stop at nothing in the fight to protect Florida’s children, and companies that expose them to harm will be held accountable."

He also appeared on Fox News, where he announced the state is issuing criminal subpoenas to the online company.

“Our initial inquiry, as well as arrests and convictions across the state, have shown that Roblox is a breeding ground for child predators to get on the platform, solicit information, locations, and ultimately abuse kids,” he said.

He then added, “We're going to hold Roblox accountable. We believe that they have knowingly allowed their platform to be used in this way. Here in Florida, we've arrested over 1,000 child predators just this year, and many of these investigations lead right back to Roblox.”

He accused the company of not having enough protocols to verify ages of people on the platform as well as track the content that is shared between users that is sexual in nature.

“In Florida, we're going to stop at nothing to protect our kids, and then that means holding businesses responsible. They've chosen profit over protecting children,” he added.

The criminal subpoena from the Florida AG comes as there have been several lawsuits questioning the safety features of the online platform.

With regard to one of the lawsuits in Florida, Roblox issued a statement, saying, “Roblox’s vision is to be the safest place on the internet,” per Fox 35.

"While no system is perfect, this year alone we have made over 100 safety enhancements to help protect our users and empower parents and caregivers with greater control and visibility,” the company added.