Platform under scrutiny for eliminating content creator intent on disclosing platform predators, potentially indulging in legal repercussions
Roblox, one of the world's largest gaming platforms with over 380 million monthly active users, many of whom are under 13, is facing a storm of criticism and controversy. The controversy arises from the platform's decision to ban creators who attempt to expose or sting alleged sexual predators, while at the same time introducing features for 17+ age-verified online dating and private adult spaces. This has sparked a debate around hypocrisy in Roblox's safety policies.
In August 2025, Roblox permanently banned Schlep, a 22-year-old YouTuber known for his sting operations targeting predators on Roblox. The company labeled Schlep's actions as "vigilantism" that endangered users by pushing sexual conversations off-platform, despite his intent to protect children.
Schlep maintains that he avoids initiating sexual conversations, reports predators promptly, and has repeatedly tried to work with Roblox, but says he has never been told what the "proper channels" actually are. In an effort to find out, Schlep has spent over a year sending binders of chat logs directly to Roblox's headquarters without ever receiving a clear answer.
The controversy raises broader questions about whether a platform on Roblox's scale can afford to dismiss independent actors who aim to protect children - and whether taking a stand against these actors ultimately does more harm than good for Roblox players.
Notable YouTubers like MoistCr1TiKal and JiDeon have spoken out in support of Schlep, calling Roblox's actions "backwards" and "hypocritical." The #FreeSchlep movement began trending on social media, accusing Roblox of punishing someone working to protect children rather than addressing the predator problem on the platform.
Critics argue that Roblox prioritizes corporate interests over child safety by removing vigilant creators while enabling adult spaces. Lawmakers and legal authorities are also challenging Roblox’s handling of predators, with lawsuits and petitions calling for stronger protections and transparency.
An example of an unresolved case is "Nepali Incel," who made threats against the Las Vegas Sphere and was later arrested by the FBI, but still maintains an active Roblox account. Schlep's team has helped identify and assist in the arrest of multiple predators on Roblox, with six arrests in under a year attributed to his sting operations.
Roblox has permanently banned all of Schlep's accounts and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Some large Roblox creators are discussing a mass exodus from Roblox's Star Program in support of Schlep. Schlep, who has been part of Roblox since childhood and still loves the platform despite its flaws, continues his efforts to expose predators, using decoy accounts in Roblox before moving conversations to Discord.
The company states that these restrictions and new AI monitoring tools are part of an overhaul to improve safety and maturity labeling. However, critics contend that Roblox's stance is hypocritical due to its history of inaction against predators and the CEO's push to introduce 17+ online dating features to the platform. The debate continues, with both sides calling for stronger protections for children on Roblox.
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