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2w ago

Florida Sues Snap Inc. Over Alleged Violations of Child Safety Law

The state accuses Snapchat of enabling underage access, addictive features, and unsafe environments for minors, while Snap defends its practices as constitutionally protected.

FILE – The Snapchat app on a mobile device is seen in New York. Snap Inc., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017. The owner of Snapchat will pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit brought by California’s civil rights agency that claimed the company discriminated against female employees, failed to prevent workplace sexual harassment and retaliated against women who complained. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Children playground miniatures are seen in front of displayed Snapchat logo in this illustration taken April 4, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Overview

  • Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., alleging violations of the state's 2024 social media law aimed at protecting minors.
  • The lawsuit claims Snapchat allows children under 14 to access the platform and fails to require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds, as mandated by state law.
  • Snapchat features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and auto-play videos are accused of being intentionally addictive and harmful to children's mental health.
  • The complaint also alleges that Snapchat facilitates access to harmful content, including pornography and drugs, and enables child predators to exploit minors.
  • Snap Inc. argues that the law violates First Amendment rights and suggests alternative, privacy-focused solutions for age verification and online safety.