Source: WLWT | May 7th, 2026
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is suing gaming platforms Roblox and Discord, claiming their platforms put children in harm’s way. It comes after a high-profile disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, an Indiana teenager who investigators said interacted with her alleged killer on one of the apps. Rokita's lawsuit said Roblox claims it has robust features to protect children that fall short, with sexually explicit content accessible on the platform. It also said Roblox's virtual currency system, Robux, empowers predators by allowing them to offer Robux to users in exchange for photos. Rokita said the lawsuit aims to “prevent further harm on these platforms,” while also seeking civil penalties of up to $5,000 per knowing violation and reimbursement of the Attorney General’s investigative costs. “This pattern has repeated itself time and time again,” Rokita said. “We cannot stand idly by and allow it to continue.” In announcing the lawsuit on Thursday, Rokita also referenced other cases across the country in which children were allegedly taken advantage of using the two platforms. Both Roblox and Discord said they have implemented procedures and guidelines that are designed to keep children safe while they are using the platforms. “The lawsuit's characterization of Discord does not reflect the platform we have built or the investments we have made in user safety. Discord is a communications platform built to connect people around playing games. Users join Discord communities intentionally, based on their interests, and unlike social media, the platform has no algorithmic feed, infinite scroll, or public "likes" pushing content to mass audiences. Our safety systems combine advanced technology and human-led investigations, alongside user reports to help identify accounts or spaces engaged in harmful activity, including sharing exploitative and child sexual abuse materials. We require all users to be at least 13 to use Discord and also provide teen users and their parents and guardians with important privacy and safety tools, including Teen Safety Assist and our Family Center. We look forward to collaborating with policymakers in working toward a safer online experience for all users on Discord and across the internet,” a statement from Discord said. Roblox said it is the first major platform to require age checks for all users to access chat features, and that it shares the commitment from Rokita to keep children safe. "We share Attorney General Rokita's commitment to helping keep children safe online. Roblox has built a multilayered safety system that includes pioneering, industry-leading safeguards to help protect our users. You cannot exchange images or videos in chat, and we deploy a combination of advanced AI-powered detection, human moderation and rigorous filters designed to prevent the exchange of personal information. To help ensure the efficacy of these tools, we do not encrypt communications,” a statement from Roblox said. Rokita said Indiana residents who have information on possible incidents related to the lawsuit are asked to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.