Roblox
TINA.org found metaverse gaming platform rife with deceptive marketing.
V.R. et al. Roblox Corp.
22-cv-2716, N.D. Cal.
(May 2022)
Virtual items on Roblox
Misleadingly representing that Roblox is free to play when it encourages minors to purchase virtual items, such as new characters and weapons
Failing to provide refunds for virtual items to minors who request them, in violation of California state law
Dismissed When a complaint is dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be refiled.; Affirmed on appeal
TINA.org found metaverse gaming platform rife with deceptive marketing.
Allegations: Falsely representing that Roblox is safe and educational and that users can make money on the platform
Allegations: Advertising in-game content without warning consumers that the platform deletes purchased content and does not provide refunds or credits for the deletions
Allegations: Failing to disclose the risk of criminal and predative activity on its platform and misleading parents into thinking that Roblox protects children from inappropriate content
Allegations: Falsely representing that its platform and digital currency are safe and that experiences that simulate gambling are not allowed on the platform
Will it enforce them this time?
TINA.org, together with other consumer groups, calls for immediate audit of Walmart Universe of Play.
Sarah Perez, TechCrunch
Some of the worst ads TINA.org covered this year.
What’s stopping advertisers from targeting children now?