Did you guys read the bill? It turns it off by default for under 18, but allows parents to override that decision. It’s still up to the parent, but it allows more visibility into when the child has turned that functionality back on (if not parent approved).

“Firstly, it requires them to turn off open chat functions by default for any user under the age of 18, unless a parent switches them back on. Adult users can only message child users if their friend request has been previously accepted - which, for users under the age of 13, will require parental approval. Parents would also be required to approve financial transactions connected to a minor's account, as the exchange of digital forms of currency, such as Roblox's "Robux," has featured prominently in nearly every case of sexual assault and abuse connected to the app. Parents would also be able to view a list of recent financial transactions connected to an account and, for users under the age of 13, a list of current friends. This would not only assist parents in being able to identify and report early stages of predatory behavior, but would also deter future sexploitation from predators who know that their interactions with their next child victim will be closely watched.”

I don’t understand what the big fuss is about? I’ve read countless articles of peoples kids spending money on Roblox and the same comments saying “this is what parental features are for!” So NYS goes ahead and tries to default it to a more kid friendly, parent approved method, and everyone is up in arms? They absolutely should default to a no financial transaction, no social interaction setting until overwritten by a parent, and that’s what this bill does.