Roblox bets on facial scanning to keep its youngest users safe

By Ahmad Damen,

Kai McNamee, Scott Detrow

Published November 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM EST

Justin Patchin, criminal justice professor at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, on new age verification guidelines for the online gaming platform Roblox, and tips for parents to protect their kids online.

Ahmad Damen

Ahmad Damen is an editor for All Things Considered based in Washington, D.C. He first joined NPR's and WBUR's Here & Now as an editor in 2024. Damen brings more than 15 years of experience in journalism, with roles spanning six countries.

Kai McNamee

Scott Detrow

Scott Detrow is a White House correspondent for NPR and co-hosts the NPR Politics Podcast.

See stories by Scott Detrow

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.

DONATE to close the gap