Overview
- Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday filed the lawsuit in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday, accusing Snap Inc. of designing features that encourage compulsive use by users as young as 13.
- The complaint cites specific Snapchat mechanics such as SnapStreaks, ephemeral posts and snap scores as product design elements that pressure teens to open the app repeatedly.
- The AG alleges Snapchat understates how often adult-themed material appears so it can keep a 13+ app rating, and the suit asks the court to require more honest content disclosures to app stores.
- Requested remedies include algorithmic changes to reduce addictive signals and clearer app-store descriptions that could lead to stricter age ratings and parental controls.
- The case is the latest in a wave of state and local legal actions targeting social platforms’ youth impacts, following Pennsylvania’s recent suit against TikTok and Montgomery County’s federal complaint.