Congressman Ro Khanna Demands Roblox Transparency in Child Safety Crackdown

The fight over child safety within the massive online platform Roblox escalated dramatically this week, moving from creator backlash to the halls of Congress. Popular YouTuber “Schlep,” known for identifying potential predators within Roblox, revealed that U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) has directly contacted him and launched a petition demanding greater transparency from the gaming giant regarding its handling of child endangerment reports. This intervention comes just days after Roblox permanently banned Schlep, accusing him of violating its terms of service, a move that ignited widespread criticism across the platform’s community.

Roblox banned Schlep and issued a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action, alleging he staged “simulated child-endangerment conversations,” shared private user information, and directed users off-platform. Schlep, however, contends his undercover investigations directly led to the arrests of six alleged predators. He asserts he repeatedly submitted evidence of concerning interactions to Roblox’s internal safety team but received inadequate guidance or action, forcing him to take matters public. The ban sparked immediate outcry, with major Roblox creators like KreekCraft, MoistCr1TiKal, and JiDion voicing support for Schlep and amplifying hashtags like #FreeSchlep and #BoycottRoblox.

Why Did Roblox Ban a Predator-Hunting YouTuber?

Roblox maintains its position that Schlep’s methods violated core platform rules designed to protect all users, regardless of intent. The company cited specific concerns: creating scenarios mimicking child grooming, potentially exposing private data during investigations, and diverting users to external platforms. Roblox argues such actions, even if well-intentioned, risk real harm and circumvent its official reporting channels. Schlep counters that the platform’s internal safety mechanisms were unresponsive. He claims his evidence, detailing explicit conversations and predatory behavior aimed at minors, was submitted through official Roblox channels for months with little tangible result, leaving him feeling compelled to publicize findings to spur action and protect children. His approach highlights a growing tension between platform governance and external vigilante efforts.

How Congressman Ro Khanna is Stepping In

The situation took a significant political turn when Representative Ro Khanna, serving California’s 17th district and sitting on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, reached out to Schlep. In a video shared by the YouTuber, Khanna announced he has launched a formal petition targeting Roblox. “There is a growing issue in our country with Roblox… and the abuse of children,” Khanna stated. “Roblox is simply not doing enough to protect our kids, inform parents, and go after child predators.” The petition specifically demands Roblox increase transparency around its child safety practices, including how it handles reports of predatory behavior and the effectiveness of its moderation systems. Khanna has a track record of tech-focused advocacy, notably introducing a bill earlier in 2025 aimed at reversing the potential TikTok ban.

What Does the Backlash Mean for Roblox?

The swift and vocal reaction from prominent creators and users represents a significant reputational challenge for Roblox. Figures like KreekCraft, with millions of young followers, publicly criticized the company’s decision to ban Schlep instead of addressing the underlying safety concerns he exposed. The widespread use of hashtags like #BoycottRoblox signals user frustration and potential engagement drops. This community pressure, coupled with Khanna’s congressional petition, forces Roblox into a difficult position: defend its enforcement policies while convincingly demonstrating it prioritizes child safety above public relations. The company must now navigate intense scrutiny regarding its internal processes for vetting reports, acting on evidence of predators, and communicating safety outcomes to its vast user base, which includes millions of children.

The escalating conflict between Roblox and Schlep, amplified by Congressional pressure and community outrage, underscores a critical battle for online child safety. As Rep. Khanna petitions for transparency and creators demand accountability, Roblox faces mounting pressure to prove its systems effectively protect young users from predators. The outcome will resonate far beyond this single ban, shaping trust in platform governance and the ongoing fight against online exploitation. Stay informed on this developing story and consider the implications for digital safety in your own family.

Must Know

Q: Who is Schlep and why was he banned from Roblox?
A: Schlep is a YouTuber who conducted undercover investigations within Roblox to identify potential predators targeting minors. Roblox banned him permanently, alleging he violated terms by simulating harmful conversations, sharing private info, and directing users off-platform. Schlep claims his methods led to real-world arrests.

Q: What is Congressman Ro Khanna doing about Roblox safety?
A: Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) contacted Schlep and launched a public petition demanding Roblox increase transparency about its child safety practices, specifically how it handles reports of predatory behavior and protects young users.

Q: Did Schlep’s work actually lead to arrests?
A: Schlep states his evidence and investigations directly contributed to the arrests of six individuals accused of predatory behavior towards minors on the Roblox platform.

Q: How has the Roblox community reacted to the ban?
A: The ban sparked significant backlash. Major creators like KreekCraft and MoistCr1TiKal criticized Roblox, supporting Schlep and amplifying calls to #FreeSchlep and #BoycottRoblox, citing concerns over the platform’s handling of safety reports.

Q: What are Roblox’s main arguments for banning Schlep?
A: Roblox contends Schlep violated rules against creating simulated child-endangerment scenarios, exposing private user information, and directing traffic outside their ecosystem, arguing these actions could cause harm despite their intent.

Q: Why is this situation significant beyond Roblox?
A: This clash highlights the tension between platform self-policing, external watchdog efforts, and governmental oversight in protecting children online. It raises critical questions about transparency, accountability, and effective moderation in massive social gaming platforms.