Online child safety concerns and Roblox investigation

What happened: Roblox Corp. (NYSE:RBLX), a popular online gaming platform, introduced two new accounts designed for increased child safety, driving its shares up 8% on June 15. Meanwhile, Apple Inc. (AAPL) announced new child safety and parental control features for its fall software updates. Concurrently, online safety campaigners called for a U.S. investigation into Roblox due to its large under-13 user base.

Market impact: The gaming sector, particularly Roblox, has seen increased scrutiny and volatility due to child safety concerns. The new features from Roblox and Apple may influence investor sentiment and user behavior, potentially affecting platform engagement and valuations. The U.S. government's response to the Roblox inquiry could also impact the broader gaming industry.

What to watch next: On July 28, Roblox is set to report its Q2 earnings, which will provide insight into user growth and engagement following its safety upgrades. Additionally, the U.S. government's response to the Roblox inquiry, expected in Q3, will significantly shape the narrative around online child safety and the gaming industry's regulatory environment.