SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 9, 2025—Roblox's bid to compel a case brought by parents concerned about the dangers of the online platform has been denied in federal court, clearing the way for the case to be heard in open court. Murphy v. Roblox Corporation, a class action consumer fraud lawsuit initiated by parents of kids who used the platform, alleges that Roblox falsely advertised its service as safe for children and omitted important safety concerns.
On July 9, 2025, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California rejected Roblox's motion to compel arbitration and directed the corporation to answer the suit. The case will proceed in court.
According to the lawsuit, Roblox misrepresented the platform as a kid-safe space and failed to disclose its well-known dangers, such as sexual content, predator exposure, and ineffective moderation. The complaint claims that if the company had been open about the risks, parents would not have permitted their kids to use or spend money on the platform.
"This is an important step," Anapol Weiss partner Alexandra Walsh stated. "Minors were exposed to predators because parents trusted Roblox's safety messaging. Roblox shouldn’t be able to hide behind arbitration.”
In a development that could further narrow the company’s legal defense, the Court also noted a recent Ninth Circuit decision, Estate of Bride v. Yolo Techs, that limits Roblox’s ability to use Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to dismiss misrepresentation claims.
“This is a win for families deceived by Roblox’s safety promises,” said Pat Huyett, a partner at Anapol Weiss who has been at the forefront of this litigation. “Families deserve to have their day in court, not be pushed behind closed doors.”
Anapol Weiss is currently pursuing multiple lawsuits against Roblox on behalf of children and families harmed on the platform, including cases involving online grooming, assault, and corporate misrepresentation.
About Anapol Weiss: Anapol Weiss, a Philadelphia-based women-majority-owned law firm, has recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of abuse, fraud, and corporate misconduct survivors. For more information, visit www.anapolweiss.com.
Media Contact: Sarah Boim (404) 386-2538 sarah@esquiredigital.com
