The European Union is investigating Snapchat over alleged failures to protect children and prevent the sale of illegal goods on its platform, potentially violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe scrutinizes the platform’s age verification processes, advertisements for illicit products, and the effectiveness of its content moderation systems.

EU Probe Focuses on DSA Compliance

The European Commission initiated the investigation to assess Snapchat’s adherence to the DSA, which mandates that online platforms actively combat the spread of illegal and harmful content. Failure to comply could result in penalties reaching up to 6% of Snapchat’s global annual revenue.

Key Areas of Investigation

The investigation centers around five key areas of concern:

Illegal Product Advertising

EU officials are examining the prevalence of advertisements for illegal products, including vapes, alcohol, and other age-restricted items, accessible through the application.

Age Verification Effectiveness

The EU is questioning the robustness of Snapchat’s current age verification system, suggesting it may not adequately prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate content.

Reporting and Addressing Illegal Content

Authorities are assessing the efficiency and responsiveness of Snapchat’s mechanisms for users and authorities to report and address illegal or harmful content.

Snapchat Responds to Investigation

Snapchat has stated it is fully cooperating with the regulators. The company emphasized its commitment to providing a safe and trusted environment for its users, highlighting its focus on privacy and safety in facilitating communication among friends and family.

Existing Safety Protections

Snapchat pointed to its existing protections for teens, asserting that these safeguards are continuously reviewed, strengthened, and invested in to keep pace with evolving online threats. The outcome of this investigation will set a precedent for user safety and content regulation for other social media platforms operating in the European Union.