Texas House leaders have launched an investigation into the gaming platform Roblox after reports that users created simulations allowing players to act as gunmen in mass shootings, including the 2022 attack at Robb Elementary School, according to NBC DFW.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he has assigned a panel of lawmakers to examine the platform and recommend new laws ahead of the next legislative session. The move came after Uvalde-area Rep. Don McLaughlin raised concerns about a first-person shooter-style game re-creating the school massacre.
“Turning an unspeakable act of violence … into entertainment is a profound moral failure,” Burrows said. The content “demands immediate action.”
Roblox told NBC DFW the content has been removed, and users who post similar material are banned. The company said it uses AI detection, human moderation, and reporting tools to enforce its policies.
“We take immediate action when we detect violations of our standards and work closely with law enforcement to hold bad actors accountable,” a Roblox spokesperson said.
State Rep. Rafael Anchia, who sits on the State Affairs Committee reviewing the issue, said lawmakers are weighing stricter safeguards, including age-verification requirements and tougher penalties for platforms that fail to monitor content.
Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in January when they return to Austin, with proposals that could include parental consent requirements, expanded moderation rules, and potential liability for companies.
The scrutiny comes as Roblox faces mounting legal challenges over child safety, including multimillion-dollar settlements and lawsuits alleging the platform failed to protect children from harmful content and predatory behavior.