New York Governor Kathy Hochul is taking a strong stance on kids' online safety, zeroing in on the immensely popular gaming platform Roblox. With the federal government’s efforts to address internet safety stalling in Congress, states like New York are stepping up to create new policies aimed at protecting children online, and Roblox appears to be in the crosshairs.

Hochul unveiled a groundbreaking plan to enhance online safety that includes expanding parental controls and introducing stringent age verification measures. Her initiative draws heavily from legislation proposed by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic, which seeks to address the gaps in current regulations. Hochul’s announcement came ahead of her annual State of the State address, signaling that this issue is a priority for her administration.

Roblox, a platform allowing users—many of whom are children—to create and play games, has long been under scrutiny for potential safety concerns. Critics have raised alarms about the risk of inappropriate content slipping through moderation, as well as the platform's ability to enforce age-appropriate interactions among its largely youthful audience. Hochul’s new proposal aims to hold platforms like Roblox accountable, ensuring better safeguards and oversight, particularly for its younger users.

Why does this matter? With over 60 million daily active users, Roblox’s reach is enormous, and a significant chunk of its audience consists of minors. Parents and advocates have consistently expressed concerns about the ability of platforms like Roblox to shield kids from harmful content and interactions online, and many feel these platforms should be more proactive in their protections. Hochul’s move could spark broader conversations about online safety across the digital space, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

Governors and lawmakers nationwide are increasingly focusing on online safety as technology continues to evolve and children spend more time in virtual landscapes. Age verification laws and parental control requirements are the most common tools proposed to curb risks, but these policies must balance safety with access. Hochul’s approach—if successful—may act as a blueprint for similar reforms elsewhere.

As gaming platforms grow in popularity and dominate kids’ free time, stricter regulations like those proposed in New York could pave the way for safer digital environments that prioritize child welfare. Hochul’s initiative underscores the importance of keeping pace with technology while ensuring young users are adequately protected from harm online.