On the Radar: Roblox Age Verification, Grok’s Bikini Scandal and Plugged In’s Parents’ Guide to Technology

Roblox Requires Age Verification to Use Chat Features

What? In November 2025, Roblox announced that age verification would be required for users wishing to use its chat features. This week, that policy rolled out with facial-scanning technology, according to TechCrunch.

So What? The company is hopeful that this new age-check process will protect child users from predators and abusive behavior. Once a child’s age has been verified, he or she can chat with other verified children in their age group.

Now What? However, parents should still exercise a lot of caution. Even without the fear of adult predators, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate content and behaviors via their peers. Be mindful of who your child is talking to and how often. If someone is cyberbullying your child or using inappropriate language, block and report them.

Grok Users Generating Images of Women and Young Girls in Bikinis

What? Grok, the AI chatbot and image generator developed by xAI, made multiple headlines this week after deepfake images of real women and young girls in bikinis generated by the AI were posted to X (formerly Twitter, also owned by xAI).

So What? This latest wave of abusive content, disturbing as it is, will help inform legislators as they continue to work to prevent the spread of AI-generated nonconsensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material. Laws such as the Take It Down Act will hopefully give victims legal recourse by requiring social media companies to remove such material within 48 hours of being reported.

Now What? Many users of Grok and X are boycotting the platforms to protest this latest scandal. But if your daughter tells you she’s been targeted, don’t minimize her concerns. Just because deepfakes are becoming more widespread doesn’t mitigate the damage they can do to a young girl, both psychologically and socially. Instead, listen to and support her through this difficult time. Report the abuse to the social media platform and proper authorities. And seek counseling, if necessary.

Plugged In Releases Parents’ Guide to Technology 2026

What? Yesterday, Plugged In released our latest resource, Parents’ Guide to Technology 2026.

So What? This tech guide covers many of the pain points that parents face when navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology. It’s packed with information about screen time, social media, artificial intelligence, dumbphones and more. But it’s also chock full of pragmatic advice to help parents address these issues and develop better strategies for handling technology in the future.

Now What? Download your free copy today! And let us know what you think, too—on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, via email (letters@pluggedin.com) or in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.