Snapchat Faces Lawsuit Over Inadequate Protection for Minors
Snapchat is under scrutiny as New Mexico’s attorney general reveals shocking claims in a newly unredacted complaint detailing the platform’s failure to address “rampant” issues of child grooming, sextortion, and other dangers to minors. Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the initial complaint on September 4, highlighting internal communications that suggest Snapchat’s design features foster an environment conducive to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Internal messages from Snap Inc. employees indicate significant resistance from management when attempts were made to implement necessary safety measures. The lawsuit emphasizes that numerous reports regarding grooming and sextortion fell through the cracks, with alarming cases where accounts remained active despite multiple reports of inappropriate behavior involving minors.
In response to the allegations, Snap maintains that its platform features built-in safety guardrails and emphasizes its ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols. The company asserts that it utilizes advanced technology to detect risky activities and collaborates with law enforcement to safeguard users.
The lawsuit claims that Snap was fully aware of the extensive problem of sextortion on its platform, describing it as a “massive” and “incredibly concerning issue.” An internal email from November 2022 revealed that Snapchat was reportedly receiving around 10,000 user reports of sextortion each month, with one employee noting that this figure likely represents only a small fraction of the actual occurrences due to users’ embarrassment in reporting such incidents.
Filed in state court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the lawsuit not only addresses issues of sexual abuse but also alleges that Snap facilitates child trafficking and the sale of illicit drugs and weapons. As this case unfolds, the focus remains on the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect vulnerable users on digital platforms.
