Roblox Faces Backlash Over New ‘Sensitive Issues’ Label From Advocacy Groups

Roblox is facing pushback from advocacy groups after introducing a new content descriptor called “Sensitive Issues,” which critics argue is "a threat to creative expression and social progress."

What is the new 'Sensitive Issues' tag?

The tag was rolled out in August 2025 to help parents better manage their children's access to certain experiences on the platform. It specifically applies to content that is primarily themed around current sensitive social, political, or religious issues, where the topics feature "polarized viewpoints" or content that could provoke a "strong emotional response."

Examples provided by Roblox include games or experiences referencing immigration, capital punishment, gun control, marriage equality, racial profiling, affirmative action, reproductive rights, or pay equity in sports. The list isn't exhaustive and can vary by region.

The company emphasized that the tag does "not take a stance" on any issue but instead helps parents decide “what content is right for their family, especially for subjects that may require adult guidance.”

Experiences with this tag will be unavailable by default to users under 13 years old, though parents can override this via account settings to allow access. It doesn't affect the existing overall Content Maturity labels (like Minimal, Mild, Moderate, or Restricted).

Why are advocacy groups concerned?

Three organizations, Women in Games, Out Making Games, and BAME in Games, published an open letter on September 30 arguing the new system risks doing more harm than good. They believe labeling equality-driven topics as “sensitive” could send the wrong message to Roblox’s massive, young audience.

In their letter, they write:

“We support efforts to keep children safe online — especially girls, who face disproportionate harassment and grooming. But safety cannot be achieved by silencing content that educates and empowers.”

The groups argue that issues like equal pay, reproductive rights, and gender equality are not controversial debates but rather “central to girls’ and women’s lived experiences.” By placing these subjects under a sensitive tag, they warn Roblox could hide content that provides necessary representation and education.

The problem with “false neutrality”

The letter goes further, pointing out specific risks in Roblox’s framing:

• Marriage equality – framing LGBTQ+ rights as debatable rather than fundamental human rights

• Pay equity in sports – suggesting gender-based pay disparities are merely “sensitive” rather than discriminatory

• Reproductive rights – treating women’s bodily autonomy as a political talking point rather than healthcare

• Racial profiling and affirmative action – presenting systemic racism and efforts to address it as equally valid “sides” of a debate

Advocates warn that this kind of “false neutrality” undermines progress and encourages detractors.

“Instead of protecting children, the policy risks teaching Roblox’s diverse audience that issues of justice and equality are controversial opinions rather than universal values,  thereby reinforcing the very divisions it claims to guard against.” 

What alternatives are being suggested?

Rather than creating its own label, the groups urge Roblox to rely on established international rating systems like PEGI in Europe or IARC globally. These frameworks, they note, focus on content rather than politics and provide clear, standardized guidelines.

“Roblox does not need to invent a vague, easily abused ‘sensitive issues’ label. It can and should adopt these established systems, giving parents the clarity they deserve and creators the freedom to speak.”

"While parental controls serve an important purpose, they shouldn’t come at the expense of fundamental human dignity. We are calling on Roblox to reconsider these guidelines and find ways to protect young users without legitimizing discrimination or silencing important voices."

So far, Roblox has not responded to this backlash.