Snohomish County family sues Roblox over child safety claims

EVERETT — Dolman Law Group filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Roblox Corporation and Discord, Inc. after a predator allegedly used those virtual platforms to sexually exploit a Snohomish County girl.

The complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, where the corporations are headquartered, alleges that these online platforms created “breeding grounds” for predators and prioritized profit over child welfare, according to a press release. The complaint was filed on behalf of a 14-year-old girl and her father.

In 2024, the victim allegedly encountered a male predator pretending to be a peer while using Roblox, an online platform where users can play or create their own games called “experiences,” the release said. This man allegedly began grooming the victim while encouraging her to continue their conversations on the communication platform, Discord, where the complaint alleges he sent the girl graphic messages and coerced her into sending sexually explicit images of herself.

“This case against Roblox is a terrifying reminder of the world we live in, where capitalist greed far outweighs humanity,” said Matthew Dolman, principal of Dolman Law Group, in the release. “There have never been sufficient safety measures and protocols in place, putting our youngest and most vulnerable communities into unimaginable harm’s way every second of the day. Without forcing systemic change, Roblox will continue to operate anarchically.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-family-sues-roblox-over-child-safety-claims/