The civil investigative demand seeks comprehensive information regarding the age of users in Connecticut, income generated from those users, and the hours spent on the platform. Connecticut is also seeking company records regarding a game that attempts to recreate the Sandy Hook school shooting, records related to a self-identified "predator hunter" gamer known as "Schlep" who was banned, and records related to child safety experts the company claims were consulted in designing safety systems.
"Roblox built an online pedophile playground," Tong said. "Our investigation seeks to uncover exactly what the company knew about widespread child exploitation on its platform, how they have profited, and what they have or have not done to protect our kids online."
Roblox's own data shows that 35% of its users are younger than 13, and 38% are ages 13 to 17, according to the release.
Connecticut's investigation follows recent settlements reached with state attorneys general in other states. Nebraska, Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Kentucky have sued and litigation is ongoing, according to the release.
The state is also investigating TikTok over similar allegations. Tong has sued Meta, alleging that the company knowingly designed features on Instagram and its other platforms that purposefully addict youth. A New Mexico jury recently found Meta liable for $375 million in civil penalties for similar consumer protection violations.
"No parent should worry if the game their child plays with their friends is a gateway to grooming, exploitation and other inappropriate behavior," said Department of Consumer Protect Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
The announcement comes as Tong led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing the bill would weaken states' ability to protect children online while insulating industry from accountability.
"The KIDS Act is a cynical gift to Big Tech, eviscerating state protections to insulate industry from accountability under a thinly disguised veil of progress," Tong said.