Roblox is taking a significant step to enhance its Marketplace by introducing the Proactive Marketplace Archive. This innovative system is designed to automatically archive avatar items that may violate intellectual property (IP) rights.
Beginning on September 4, 2024, both 2D and 3D avatar items, including t-shirts and accessories, will be archived if they do not comply with Roblox’s Terms of Use and Community Standards. Creators do not need to take action themselves, as Roblox will manage the archiving process. Twitter users have expressed positivity about the update, with UGC Creator Vhaega stating, “the only good decision roblox has made so far in 2024!!”
This initiative addresses long-standing concerns from users who uploaded content as children without fully understanding the ramifications of using copyrighted material. One community member remarked, “Great update, glad that something like this has been added — acknowledging that many users uploaded IP-infringing content years ago (typically classic shirts/pants) and are unaware of the option to submit a manual request for archiving.”
However, not all items will fall under this new system. Limited items, bundles, images, models, and meshes are exempt. Users whose items are archived will receive notifications via inbox and email, and importantly, they will not face penalties such as account bans due to these items.
While some view this move as a positive change, it also raises concerns. Another seasoned user expressed frustration, suggesting that “Roblox may have allowed this content to remain as long as possible for revenue, but while it’s the right approach now, it could irreversibly damage older games and innocent fan projects.”
Despite these worries, Roblox’s commitment to improving IP management tools is fostering cautious optimism. A new self-serve feature is set to launch in the coming months, enabling creators to archive their own avatar items, a development many users look forward to given the current waiting times for manual requests.
Although the immediate phase may be challenging for certain creators, Roblox’s latest initiatives appear aimed at balancing creative expression with respect for IP rights. YouTube commenters express concerns about potentially losing their cosplay items; however, Roblox has been refunding the Robux spent on archived items, which hopefully encourages users not to wear stolen designs.
For more details, check the full announcement on the Roblox forum.
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