Chris Hansen Turns Spotlight on Roblox: Veteran Predator Investigator Warns of Platform Dangers to Children
By Technology and Child Safety Correspondent
Published in a global news outlet, March 2026
Chris Hansen, the veteran investigative journalist best known for NBC’s To Catch a Predator series two decades ago, has refocused his efforts on what he describes as a new frontier of online danger: the massively popular gaming platform Roblox. In recent interviews and his February 2026 documentary special Dangerous Games: Investigating Roblox, Hansen has sharply criticized the platform, calling out alleged failures to protect millions of young users from predators.
Roblox, which reports over 70 million daily active users globally—with a significant portion being children—has faced mounting scrutiny. Hansen, working alongside independent investigator “Schlep” (whose predator-exposure videos led to arrests before Roblox banned him in 2025), has highlighted cases of grooming, exploitation, and real-world harm originating on the platform. In one podcast appearance, Hansen referred to those enabling or ignoring the problem as “total sickos,” echoing the blunt language that defined his earlier work confronting suspected predators.
The platform’s user-generated content model allows anyone to create and publish experiences, which Hansen argues creates opportunities for bad actors. Reports detail predators using chat features, private servers, and in-game currency (Robux) to groom minors, sometimes transitioning to off-platform communication on Discord or leading to real-life meetings. Hansen has pointed to specific incidents, including grooming leading to self-harm or kidnapping attempts, and accused Roblox of prioritizing growth and revenue over robust safety measures.
Roblox has defended its policies, noting investments in age verification, content moderation tools, and partnerships with safety organizations. The company states it removes violating accounts and content promptly and encourages reporting. However, critics—including state attorneys general in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida—have filed lawsuits alleging systemic failures. Louisiana’s suit, for example, claims Roblox “knowingly enabled and facilitated the systemic sexual exploitation and abuse of children” by not doing enough to prevent harmful content and interactions.
Hansen’s involvement brings high visibility. In his special and podcast discussions (including on Julian Dorey and his own Have a Seat with Chris Hansen), he stresses parental responsibility while calling for stronger platform accountability. He has suggested Roblox could do more—such as better age-gating, real-time monitoring, and cooperation with law enforcement and independent researchers. Hansen also draws parallels to broader online safety failures, noting how platforms can become “predator paradises” when moderation lags behind user growth.
The timing overlaps with ongoing Epstein file releases, which Hansen has commented on separately, referencing his own past attempt to confront Epstein. While the two topics are distinct, Hansen’s dual focus underscores his long-standing commitment to exposing exploitation of the vulnerable. Roblox has denied being uncooperative, pointing to transparency reports and safety updates rolled out in 2025.
For parents and regulators, Hansen’s warnings serve as a wake-up call. With children as young as four reportedly using the platform, the stakes are high. Whether his spotlight will drive meaningful reform—or whether Roblox can demonstrate effective safeguards—remains an open question. In the meantime, Hansen continues urging vigilance: “Parents need to be all over this.”
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