How to Filter Out Inappropriate UGC Items on Roblox: A Guide for Developers

Creators on Roblox can unleash their creativity, but they must also take responsibility for moderating content. Learning how to filter inappropriate UGC on Roblox is a critical skill for developers aiming to create family-friendly games. For some developers, particularly those creating family-friendly games, filtering out inappropriate user-generated content (UGC) is a significant challenge.

Many people consider UGC items resembling a woman’s chest inappropriate for younger audiences. In this article, we explore ways to filter such content while maintaining a balance between moderation and creativity.

Filtering Inappropriate UGC on Roblox

The core issue lies in identifying and filtering out accessories that mimic inappropriate designs. However, there are challenges:

• Not all inappropriate items use obvious names or descriptions.
• Innocent accessories might be flagged due to over-generalized filters.
• Shape and model detection is complex and may require advanced techniques.

While there’s no perfect solution, combining multiple strategies can help developers mitigate the issue effectively.

Effective Strategies to Filter UGC

Below are several approaches to filter inappropriate UGC on Roblox, ranging from technical solutions to manual moderation, to address this challenge.

1. Using the Catalog API and HttpService

Roblox’s Catalog API v2 can be leveraged to gather data about UGC items. By utilizing HttpService (via a proxy service like RoProxy), you can:

• Fetch UGC item data including names, descriptions, and asset IDs.
• Check for keywords like “chest” or other terms that may indicate inappropriate content.
• Maintain a whitelist and blacklist for exceptions, ensuring more accuracy over time.

Steps:

1. Query the Catalog API to get item data.
2. Use a script to loop through the results and filter items based on keywords.
3. Store flagged items for further review or automatic exclusion.

Note: Be cautious with keyword-based filtering, as some innocent items might be flagged unfairly.

2. Filtering Accessories via InsertService

The InsertService API allows developers to load assets into the game for inspection. Using pcall to safely load and test assets, you can:

• Dynamically inspect UGC items.
• Remove or flag items based on visual inspection or asset type.

This method works well for identifying specific asset types but requires manual configuration to some extent.

3. Implementing Shape Detection with Raycasting

For developers looking for a more advanced approach, raycasting can be used to analyze the shape of accessories. Here’s how:

• Use raycasting along the x-axis to detect specific curves or shapes.
• Combine this with mesh physics to identify items that resemble inappropriate designs.
• Apply this method sparingly to avoid overloading the game’s server.

While promising, this approach requires significant technical expertise and isn’t foolproof.

4. Using a Custom StarterCharacter

One of the simplest ways to ensure no inappropriate accessories appear in your game is by creating a custom StarterCharacter. This character setup can:

• Restrict all front and back accessories by default.
• Provide a clean slate for players while maintaining consistency.

This approach, while effective, might limit players’ customization options, which could detract from the user experience.

5. Manual Blacklisting

A manual approach involves maintaining a list of creators or asset IDs associated with inappropriate UGC. While time-intensive, this method allows precise filtering without relying entirely on automated systems.

Steps:

1. Monitor new UGC items regularly.
2. Add identified inappropriate items to a blacklist.
3. Prevent blacklisted items from being displayed in your game.

6. Broad Accessory Filtering

Another straightforward method is to block all “front” accessories. However, this has drawbacks, as it may exclude innocent items that players enjoy. If this method is used, consider providing players with alternative customization options.

Challenges and Considerations

Developers face several challenges when filtering UGC. Here are some key considerations:

• False Positives: Innocent items may get flagged due to generalized filters.
• Evolving Content: Creators upload new UGC items constantly, which requires developers to update filters continuously.
• Server Performance: Advanced methods like raycasting can strain server resources if not optimized.

Final Thoughts

While it’s nearly impossible to create a perfect filtering system, combining multiple strategies can help developers significantly reduce the presence of inappropriate UGC in their games. By using tools like the Catalog API, InsertService, and raycasting, along with manual moderation and blacklists, you can create a safer, more enjoyable experience for players.

As Roblox continues to evolve, developers play a crucial role in fostering a community that’s both creative and responsible. With the right tools and strategies, you can ensure your game aligns with your values and provides a welcoming space for players of all ages.