In separate lawsuits filed in July 2025, two 14-year-old girls accuse the popular gaming platform Roblox and chat app Discord of facilitating sexual abuse and grooming. Both suits, filed in California courts on July 9 and 17, claim that the platforms provided a “hunting ground for child-sex predators” by failing to implement adequate safety measures to protect minors.
These legal actions reflect a growing trend of litigation against these Bay Area tech giants, accusing them of negligence in preventing predators from exploiting their apps. Roblox, which hosts millions of games, and Discord, a popular communication tool among gamers, are both named for their failure to prevent abuse and adequately protect children from online threats.
Allegations of Grooming and Attempted Rape
The lawsuits, filed under “Jane Doe” pseudonyms, provide chilling accounts of how both girls were targeted by predators while using the platforms. According to the filings, the girls met men who pretended to be teenagers and began building trust through interactions on both Roblox and Discord. The predators reportedly used tactics like offering virtual currency (Robux) and manipulating the teens into meeting in person.
One case details an attempted rape in 2024, during which law enforcement intervened and arrested the perpetrator mid-assault. The other lawsuit recounts a brutal assault in 2022, in which the predator was later convicted of soliciting a child and committing lewd acts. Both cases highlight how these perpetrators exploited the lack of robust safety measures on Roblox and Discord to connect with and ultimately harm the young girls.
Roblox and Discord Accused of Prioritizing Growth Over Safety
The lawsuits accuse Roblox and Discord of prioritizing growth and profit over child safety. Both platforms are charged with not taking sufficient precautions to prevent minors from becoming victims of grooming, sexual abuse, or exploitation. The plaintiffs argue that these companies have long been aware of the dangers on their platforms but have failed to implement effective safety measures to protect children.
Roblox, which allows users to create and play games, and Discord, a popular app for text and voice communications, are criticized for not having robust screening systems or age verification processes. The lawsuits claim that had these basic safety features been in place, the predators would not have been able to access the minors, and the harm would have been avoided.
Both lawsuits highlight the crucial role that tech companies play in safeguarding their users, particularly minors, from online predators. The plaintiffs argue that the platforms are negligent in their design, allowing sexual predators to exploit vulnerable users. They contend that had Roblox and Discord implemented simple measures, such as age verification and stronger parental controls, the victims would have been spared the trauma they endured.
The plaintiffs also allege that if their parents had been fully aware of the risks associated with these platforms, they would not have allowed their children to use them without supervision. This underscores the importance of transparent and effective safety measures to ensure parents can make informed decisions about their children’s online activity.
Legal Challenges and Tech Company Defenses
While the lawsuits raise important concerns about child safety, it remains unclear how they will proceed in light of legal protections that tech companies often enjoy. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields platforms like Roblox and Discord from legal liability for user behavior. This could complicate the legal process and may limit the accountability of the companies involved.
Despite this, both plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for the harm they endured. They also argue that Roblox and Discord made false representations about the safety of their platforms, misleading parents and users about the risks associated with their use.
A spokesperson for Roblox, Stefanie Notaney, stated that the company takes the safety and well-being of its community seriously, investing significant resources into safety and moderation efforts. Roblox has implemented several updates, including enhanced parental controls and restrictions on direct messaging for users under 13, following criticism from groups like Hindenburg Research. However, critics argue that these efforts came too late to prevent the harm done to the victims.
The Impact of Online Grooming and Sexual Exploitation
The lawsuits filed by these two young survivors are part of a broader wave of litigation targeting platforms that may not adequately protect children from online sexual predators. The issue of online grooming and abuse has garnered increased attention in recent years, with many advocates calling for stronger regulations to protect vulnerable users from harm.
As the world becomes more digitally connected, tech companies have a responsibility to create safer spaces for users, especially minors. With the rise of online gaming and social media platforms, it is essential that these platforms implement rigorous safety protocols to prevent exploitation and ensure the well-being of their users.
How Survivors Can Seek Justice
If you or a loved one has experienced harm through online platforms, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. At Helping Survivors, we are committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. We can connect you with trusted legal resources to help you navigate the complexities of seeking justice.
If you have experienced harm or if you have questions about your rights as a survivor, reach out to Helping Survivors today. Our team is here to empower you with the information and support you need to take the next step in your healing and justice journey.
