A popular game on Roblox, Spray Paint!, has become a new target for players looking to get around the platform’s chat filters, which has led to an increase in hate speech. A recent CBS News report highlights how users exploit the game, set in a virtual skate park, to scribble offensive messages on walls and ramps. These messages include swastikas, slurs aimed at minority groups, and direct references to the Third Reich.
This situation arises as Roblox has been working to improve its user safety measures. In May, the company switched its chat service from LegacyChatService to TextChatService to meet current parental control standards. The aim of this update was to make it harder for harmful and hateful content to spread. However, players have quickly found ways to use the unique mechanics of Spray Paint! to get around these new rules and continue their actions.
The discovery puts Roblox under increased scrutiny regarding its content moderation policies. The platform is already facing a lawsuit from Louisiana, which claims the company has not done enough to safeguard children from predatory behavior. The widespread appearance of hate speech in a high-profile game could add more pressure to this and similar legal issues. In response to the CBS report, Roblox issued a statement confirming its use of a human review team to evaluate flagged content and encouraged users to keep reporting images that breach its community guidelines.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by platforms with large and varied user bases. While Roblox has put restrictions in place, like limiting access to games rated higher than Mild to users over nine, Spray Paint! is rated Moderate. This rating allows players ages 13 and older to access it without parental consent. The difficulty lies in staying ahead of determined users who constantly discover new ways to evade safety measures. The platform has celebrated some recent successes, yet these continuing controversies remain a major reputational challenge.
