A growing movement is calling for a leadership change at Roblox, as a petition to remove Roblox CEO David Baszucki has now surpassed nearly 170,000 verified signatures. The petition, hosted on Change.org, reflects mounting frustration with how the company is handling issues of child safety and moderation on its massive online platform.
Background of the Petition
Roblox, which averages over 85 million daily active users, has long marketed itself as a family-friendly platform. However, over half of its player base is under 16 years old, raising concerns about online safety. The petition claims Roblox has failed to act quickly against predators, allowed dangerous content to spread, and ignored community calls for reform at the highest levels of management.
Legal Troubles Add Pressure
The petition comes at a turbulent time for Roblox. Recently, the State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the company, with Attorney General Liz Murrill alleging that Roblox was “permitting and perpetuating an online environment in which child predators thrive.”
Additionally, Roblox was sued by a family in Des Moines, Iowa, who claimed their 13-year-old child was groomed on the platform and kidnapped. These high-profile cases have fueled criticism that Roblox’s safety measures are insufficient to protect its vulnerable user base.
Roblox’s Response So Far
While neither David Baszucki nor Roblox has directly addressed the petition, the company has responded to recent lawsuits by stressing its commitment to safety. Roblox pointed to over 40 moderation tools implemented in the past year, including chat filters, restrictions on direct image sharing, and enhanced reporting systems designed to protect young users.
The Future of Roblox Leadership
The petition to remove Roblox CEO David Baszucki highlights growing distrust among players, parents, and even lawmakers. With nearly 170,000 people backing the call for change, Roblox’s leadership will likely face increased scrutiny moving forward.
Whether the company’s latest safety measures will be enough to calm critics remains to be seen, but the sheer scale of the petition signals a significant challenge to Roblox’s reputation as a safe space for young gamers.