Roblox announces new short-video and AI features: What it means for users

Roblox has announced new features, including a short-video feed and AI tools for creators. The new Roblox Moments feature will enable users aged 13 and older to create and share video clips of their gameplay on the platform's feed. Additionally, new AI additions will allow users to generate advanced 3D objects for the games they build. These new features are being introduced as Roblox faces increasing scrutiny from lawmakers regarding its child safety measures. The platform, which is popular with children and teenagers, has been questioned about how it protects its young users.Roblox said that while users can share video clips from mature games on Moments, those who don’t meet the age requirements for those titles won’t be able to view them. Roblox will review each video, and users will also be able to “flag content that they find is inappropriate,” according to Matt Kaufman, the company’s safety chief. Moments will see a limited release starting this week.The AI features are set to arrive before year-end. Players will be able to use the tools to generate objects, such as futuristic monster trucks, which will be tailored to their game designs, said Anupam Singh, Roblox’s senior vice president of engineering. These creations will also undergo moderation, Kaufman added.These features come as Roblox contends with multiple lawsuits claiming its platform design allows online predators to target underage users.In August, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a suit accusing the company of not enforcing strong enough safety measures to “protect child users from predators.” Roblox responded at the time, saying, “any assertion that Roblox would intentionally put our users at risk of exploitation is simply untrue.”Earlier this week, the company announced that it will expand the age estimation program it first introduced in July.