Roblox has permanently banned a YouTuber known as “Schlep,” who had gained attention for creating sting operations intended to identify individuals allegedly attempting to exploit minors on the platform.

Schlep, who describes himself as a “predator hunter” and has over one million subscribers, has stated that his activities contributed to six arrests. He reportedly used decoy accounts to interact with suspected offenders and shared his findings with law enforcement and child safety advocacy organizations. Roblox issued a cease-and-desist letter citing violations of its terms of service, including “simulated child endangerment,” sharing personally identifiable information, and bypassing official reporting mechanisms. All accounts associated with Schlep were subsequently banned.

The ban generated significant discussion online. The hashtag #FreeSchlep appeared on YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, with users and some content creators expressing concern over the removal of accounts involved in independent safety efforts. A petition, supported in part by U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, called on Roblox to enhance its safety measures rather than restrict user activity.

In response, Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman issued a statement describing such independent operations as “vigilante activity,” noting that some actions have involved impersonating minors and directing users to external platforms. He emphasized that safety issues are best addressed through official reporting channels and coordination with law enforcement.

The situation intersects with ongoing legal scrutiny. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox, citing concerns that the platform’s safety measures are insufficient to protect child users. The case points to repeated instances where predator access occurred despite Roblox’s efforts to maintain a secure environment for minors.

Investigative journalist Chris Hansen, known for his work on To Catch a Predator, has also become involved, collaborating with advocacy organizations and authorities to examine child safety concerns on the platform.

The controversy highlights a broader discussion about the balance between platform-managed safety protocols and independent interventions by users. Roblox’s actions and subsequent responses are being closely monitored as the company navigates this issue.