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Consumer Daily Reports

Children as young as five exposed to explicit content and inadequate protective measures, the report found

By Truman Lewis Consumer News: Investigation finds gaps in Roblox’s child safety measures of ConsumerAffairs
April 15, 2025

Key takeaways:

  • Kids as young as 5 encountered explicit content and unsupervised contact with adults

  • Safety controls found to be weak despite Roblox's recent updates

  • Platform calls for government action and industry collaboration to protect young users


A deeply disturbing investigation has raised serious concerns about the safety of children on the massively popular gaming platform Roblox, where kids as young as five were found to be exposed to graphic content and interactions with adults, despite platform safeguards.

The findings, reported by The Guardiancome from a study by digital behavior research firm Revealing Reality, and point to a stark disconnect between Robloxs child-friendly branding and the reality of what young users experience on the platform. The report documents multiple incidents of age-inappropriate environments, sexual content, and grooming risks faced by young users.

Safety controls that exist are limited in their effectiveness and there are still significant risks for children on the platform, the report concludes.

Avatars as young as 5 accessed suggestive content

To conduct the investigation, researchers created multiple fake Roblox accounts registered to fictional users aged 5, 9, 10, 13, and 40+. These accounts only interacted with each other, ensuring results were not influenced by real users.

They found that even very young avatars could access highly suggestive environments, including virtual hotel rooms with sexualized roleplay and fetish gear, and bathroom settings where avatars mimicked inappropriate behavior. Audio chat also exposed users to sexually explicit sounds and conversations, despite Robloxs claim that its voice features are AI-moderated and restricted to verified users aged 13 and older.

In one alarming example, an adult test account was able to request a five-year-old avatars Snapchat handle using thinly veiled language highlighting how easily built-in filters and moderation systems can be bypassed, the Guardian reported.

Roblox responds, but pressure mounts

In response, Roblox Corporation acknowledged the presence of harmful content and bad actors on its platform and said it is working to strengthen safeguards. However, the company stressed that tens of millions of people have a positive, enriching, and safe experience on Roblox every day.

It also called for government intervention and broader industry efforts to help address these systemic issues.

We deeply sympathize with any parent whose child has had a harmful experience, a Roblox spokesperson said.

Despite recent updates including new parental controls and restrictions for users under 13, Revealing Reality found these measures to be inconsistently effective and easily circumvented.

Parents Voice Alarm

The findings echo the growing concern among parents over childrens screen time, online addiction, and exposure to danger on open digital platforms. Many have voiced frustration that current moderation tools fail to keep pace with evolving online threats, particularly in user-generated environments like Roblox.

With more than 85 million daily users, 40% of whom are estimated to be under 13, Robloxs influence on young audiences is profound and experts say these revelations should serve as a wake-up call for both the company and regulators.

We must stop assuming that a child-friendly appearance equals a child-safe experience, the report warns.

As the debate over online child safety intensifies, the Roblox case may become a litmus test for digital accountability in an era dominated by user-created content and AI-driven moderation.

Sign up below for The Daily Consumer, our newsletter on the latest consumer news, including recalls, scams, lawsuits and more.




Posted: 2025-04-15 17:49:30

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More News From This Category

Consumer News: Nearly half of U.S. homeowners hit with insurance rate hikes

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:07:07 +0000

It's the highest average increase in more than a decade

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
September 16, 2025

  • J.D. Power study finds 47% of homeowners saw premium increases in past year, highest in over a decade

  • High-value customers most likely to leave insurers after repeated price hikes

  • Clear communication and options can ease dissatisfaction, study shows


Premium hikes drive customer defection

Almost half of U.S. homeowners insurance customers (47%) experienced a premium increase in the past year, the highest rate of insurer-initiated hikes in more than 10 years, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Home Insurance Study released Wednesday.

The trend is hitting the most profitable segment of the market especially hard. Among high-value customersthose with multiple policies and higher premiums49% reported a rate increase. These customers are significantly more likely to switch insurers after repeated hikes, threatening long-term revenue streams for carriers.

In a year marked by inflation, severe weather and tightening reinsurance markets, home insurance premiums have risen sharply in many parts of the country, said Craig Martin, executive director of global insurance intelligence at J.D. Power. While these increases often reflect real cost pressures, theyre also eroding trust and driving customers to shop for alternatives.

Trust and loyalty eroding

The study found that 43% of customers who had a rate increase and do not plan to renew cited the price hike as their reason for switching. Trust levels also decline among those facing insurer-initiated increases, with customers reporting that carriers become harder to work with.

For high-value customers unlikely to renew, 45% cited repeated rate increases as the main driver of defection. Among low-value customers, the figure was just 30%.

Communication makes a difference

Insurers can mitigate the negative effects of premium hikes by proactively explaining the reasons behind increases and offering options to reduce costs, the study found. When customers fully understood the rationale and had choices, overall satisfaction averaged 721 out of 1,000higher than customers who had no increase at all.

Amica ranked highest in the homeowners insurance segment with a score of 705, followed by Chubb (677) and Erie Insurance (676). In the renters insurance category, Amica also ranked first (711), ahead of Erie Insurance (705) and CSAA Insurance Group (689).

The 2025 study was based on responses from 14,511 homeowners and renters gathered between July 2024 and May 2025.


Read More ...


Consumer News: Appeals court OKs firing hundreds of CFPB employees

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:07:07 +0000

The decision could be overturned by the full court which can review a three-judge panel's ruling

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 16, 2025

A federal appeals court hasvacateda U.S. District Court decision that halted mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). In a 2-1decision, a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit remanded the case for further proceedings. The panel stayed its decision to allow for a petition for re-hearing by the full court, holding that the firings cannot proceed until one week after the results of the petition, which could result in further delay and potentially reverse the decision.

Todays decision is a deeply disturbing development in the ongoing campaign to shutter the CFPB, which has defended people from unscrupulous practices by credit reporting companies, Wall Street banks, and big corporations, saidLauren Saunders, director of federal advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center.

The CFPB was created after millions of people lost their jobs and homes in the Great Recession and has helped return $21 billion to 200 million consumers harmed by companies that violated the law, saidSaunders.People need the CFPB to prevent financial companies from running roughshod over families, Veterans, and older adults.

In her dissent, Judge Pillard wrote: Congress created the CFPB, assigned it important missions and powers, and subjected its decisions to the strong presumption of judicial review that applies as a matter of course to the final actions of federal agencies. It is untenable to hold that same Congress meant the agencys continued existence to be a matter of unilateral and unexplained presidential edict.

The courts decision is the latest development in alawsuit filed in Januaryby the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), NCLC, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Virginia Poverty Law Center, CFPB Employee Association, and Pastor Eva Steege, against the CFPB and CFPB Acting Director Russell Vought, to challenge the unlawful dismantling of the CFPB. (Ms. Steege, 83, had reached out to the CFPB to help her receive loan forgiveness to pay down her student loan debt. She passed away in April, and her husband, Ted Steege, replaced her as plaintiff in the case.)


Read More ...


Consumer News: Target Circle Week returns October 5-11

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:07:07 +0000

The retailer is also preparing consumers for holiday shopping with gifts starting at $5

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 16, 2025

  • Target is rolling out 20,000 new holiday items this season thats roughly double last years number.

  • Thousands of gifts starting at just $5, with many items under $20.

  • The big sale kicks off October 511, 2025, featuring deals on gifts, fall styles, and essentials. VIP access starts Oct. 4 for Target Circle 360 members.


Targets upping its holiday game in 2025 with a massive new assortment.

There are 20,000 new items many of them exclusive to Target spanning holiday dcor, fashion, toys, beauty, and more.

On top of that, prices are designed to hit a sweet spot for gift-givers on a budget: thousands of items begin at just $5 and most stay under $20. Even beauty products will have some deals starting as low as $3.

Theyre also expanding faster delivery, to make it easier to get purchases when you need them.

"With our unmatched combination of great products and great prices, Target is making it possible for everyone to celebrate the holidays on a budget," Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target, said in a news release.

Target Circle Week: Your key savings window

Circle Week is Targets weeklong shopping event thats timed like an early holiday kickoff. Heres what to mark on your calendar and how to make the most of it:

What

When

Who Gets Early Access

Target Circle Week deals

Oct. 511, 2025

All Target Circle members (free membership)

Early access

Oct. 4

Circle 360 members (paid upgrade)

During Circle Week, expect big markdowns on fall staples, holiday gifts, and everyday essentials youll use anyhow. As always with Target, many of the deals are exclusive or early-bird.

Big holiday deals youll want to snag

Here are some of the most exciting items and categories shoppers should keep an eye on many with exclusive drops and great price points:

  • Pop Culture & Exclusive Collections. Target is partnering again with hit franchises like Stranger Things and Wicked: For Good. Expect exclusive items across many categories: apparel, home dcor, toys, collectibles, drinkware, themed fashion.

  • Beauty Gifts Starting Very Low. Around 60% of Targets beauty gifting assortment will be exclusive to Target, and some beauty items will start as low as $3. Think lip charms, fragrance sets, grooming kits small gift items with high style value.

  • Home & Decor Under Budget. From faux-fur blankets and cozy, cashmere-like sweaters to seasonal ornaments, pillows, festive tableware, etc. Many dcor items will follow that same trend: exclusive designs, holiday-themed pieces, and price tags that stay comfortably under $20.

  • Toys & Tech for Less. Expect lots of holiday toy drops, including both classics (LEGO, Barbie, Paw Patrol) and trendier items. Tech and wellness gifts (think small gadgets, personal care) will be more affordable and accessible.

  • Food & Gifting Extras. Target is offering expanded assortments of treats festive foods, ready-to-bake items, snacks, and sweet gifts for hosting. These are great add-ons or smaller gifts, especially for neighbors, co-workers, etc.

  • Deal of the Day & Weekly Deals After Nov. 1. If you miss something during Circle Week, dont worry starting November 1, Target is planning hundreds of weekly deals, including its Deal of the Day feature that includes savings up to 50% off on select items.


Read More ...


Consumer News: U.S. investigates Tesla Model Y door handle failures

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:07:07 +0000

The probe could lead to a recall if a serious safety risk is found

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 16, 2025
  • NHTSA opens probe into 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles from 2021 model year
  • Parents report being locked out of cars with children inside, some breaking windows to gain entry

  • Investigation could lead to recall if defect is deemed a safety risk

Federal safety agency opens probe

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into about 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year after reports that their electronic door handles can become inoperative.

The probe follows nine complaints involving parents who were unable to open exterior doors after placing children inside the vehicle. In four cases, parents broke windows to regain access.

Safety risks for children

NHTSA noted that while Tesla vehicles are equipped with manual door releases inside, children may not be able to reach or operate them. The agency said the failures appear linked to insufficient voltage supplied to the electronic locks.

Some repair invoices cited replacement of the low-voltage battery after the incidents, but owners reported no warning signs before the door handles stopped functioning.

Possible recall ahead

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NHTSAs preliminary evaluation is the first step toward a potential recall if regulators determine the malfunction poses an unreasonable safety risk.

The case adds to a series of federal safety investigations involving Tesla vehicles, with regulators focusing on both software and hardware issues as the automaker expands its U.S. fleet.


Read More ...


Consumer News: Mark your calendars: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is October 7-8

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:07:07 +0000

Shoppers can start saving today ahead of the sales event

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 16, 2025

  • Amazons Prime Big Deal Days is officially returning October 7-8.

  • The retailer has several ways for shoppers to start saving now three weeks ahead of the sales event.

  • Start your holiday shopping early with Amazons Holiday Shop and deals on millions of items across the site.


Its that time of year again: sales time!

Amazon officially announced that its multi-day Prime Big Deal Days sales event will be returning October 7-8.

While the sale is still a few weeks away from officially kicking off, shoppers can start saving on select sales today and start preparing for holiday shopping.

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days returns October 78, kicking off the 2025 holiday shopping season with millions of deals and deep discounts across popular categories like home, apparel, toys, and beauty, the company wrote in a news release.

Starting October 7 at 12:01 a.m. PDT, Prime members can shop seasonal savings across Amazons wide selectionfrom beauty must-haves and top electronics to deals on some of the most anticipated gifts of the season.

Whats on sale now?

Though Amazon is touting millions of items on sale, shoppers dont have to wait to start saving. Heres a look at some of the deals available now:

  • In-store grocery savings: Prime members can save $15 when they spend $55+ at Amazon Fresh through October 8.

  • Amazon devices on sale: A number of products in the Amazon suite of devices are half off right now, including: Kindle, Ring, Fire Tablets, Echo Dot, and more.

  • Prime card holders can save: The Prime Visa credit card comes with extra perks. For starters, upon approval for the card, consumers will receive a $150 Amazon gift card. Then, cardholders will receive extra cashback during Prime Big Deal Days, as well as on year-round purchases.

  • Gas savings: Starting October 3, Prime members can save up to $1.00/gallon on all gas purchases up to 35 gallons at any bp, Amoco, and ampm gas stations.

  • Kindle deals: Eligible Prime members can score up to three months free of Kindle Unlimited, and a select number of titles are currently 80% off.

  • Free McDonalds: Between September 15 and October 5, Prime members who use their free GrubHub+ membership can get a free McDonalds 10-piece chicken nugget every single day (on orders of at least $20).

  • Young adults save more: Primes Young Adult membership comes in at half the price of a traditional membership. Anyone aged 18-24 can get the first six months of Prime free, and then at $7.49/month or $69/year.

  • Artist merch: Those looking for artist merchandise can get 30% off when they shop through Amazon Music.

Prepare for Prime Day

Shoppers must have a Prime membership to qualify for Prime Big Deal Days sales. For those without Prime accounts, you can get a 30-day free trial, before paying either $14.99/month or $139/year.

During the sales, shoppers can take advantage of Amazons Holiday Shop. With curated gift guides, you can start getting your holiday shopping done ahead of time.


Read More ...


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