To protect Hoosier children from online predators, Attorney General sues Roblox Corp. and Discord Inc.

Alleging that two companies have failed to employ sufficient protections against online predators, Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corp., maker of a massive online gaming platform, and Discord Inc., which operates a messaging app. 

“These companies, which cater to kids and young individuals, know full well that numerous predatory sex criminals have used these platforms to contact and lure their victims,” Attorney General Rokita said. “And yet, they continue promoting themselves as safe for children. That is more than reckless. It’s a clear and ongoing violation of Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and we are working to hold them accountable to protect Hoosier families.” 
 
One individual who used these platforms is the man who allegedly lured 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee away from her Fishers home in January this year. He interacted with Hailey via Roblox and Discord for months before her disappearance and death. Hailey is one of at least three Indiana girls who have been groomed or enticed away from their homes while using Roblox.  

Similar tragic scenarios have played out across the country. 

In 2019, a Florida man was arrested after law enforcement learned he was targeting 10- to 12-year-old children on Roblox, coaxing them onto Discord and then coercing them to send sexually explicit images of themselves.  

Inn 2022, an Arizona man was arrested for kidnapping a 13-year-old boy he met on Roblox. According to police, the man sent sexual messages on Roblox before transitioning to a Discord chat, where the man arranged to pick up the boy. 

In 2024, the FBI arrested a Michigan man and charged him with numerous crimes related to his sexual exploitation of possibly over 100 children. The man told law enforcement that he used Roblox to talk to others sexually, some of whom he allegedly knew were children, and then transitioned the conversations to Discord and coerced the children into sending nude images.

That’s just to name a few. 

“This pattern has repeated itself time and time again,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We cannot stand idly by and allow it to continue.” Now facing intense public pressure, Roblox and Discord have said they are implementing new safety features — the effectiveness of which remains to be seen.  

The lawsuit—linked here— primarily aims to secure injunctive and declaratory relief to prevent further harm on these platforms. It also seeks disgorgement of all money and benefits obtained from the unlawful, unfair, abusive and deceptive conduct. Further, it seeks civil penalties of up to $5,000 per knowing violation and reimbursement of the Attorney General’s investigative costs.  

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General about any incidents they or loved ones encounter on these or similar platforms. 

Consumers can file complaints about any illicit business practice or scam by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.