Is Snapchat Doing Enough to Protect Underage Users?

Snapchat, the popular US instant messaging app, is under scrutiny by Britain’s data regulator as it investigates whether the platform is taking adequate measures to remove underage users. According to Reuters, Snap, the owner of Snapchat, only removed a handful of children under the age of 13 from its British platform last year, while UK media regulator Ofcom estimates that there are thousands of underage users. This raises concerns about compliance with UK data protection laws, which require parental consent for processing the data of children under 13. Despite social media companies generally setting a minimum age requirement of 13, they struggle to effectively keep underage children off their platforms. In response to these allegations, Snapchat has not provided specific details on the actions it has taken to address this issue.

The Importance of Age-Appropriate Digital Platforms

Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, acknowledges the goals of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to ensure that digital platforms are age-appropriate and comply with the Children’s Code. However, the company has not disclosed any specific actions it has taken regarding underage users. The ICO typically collects information related to alleged breaches before launching an official investigation. The regulator may issue an information notice, requesting internal data that may aid in the investigation, and then decide on potential fines or penalties. Last year, Ofcom discovered that 60% of British children aged eight to eleven had at least one social media account, often obtained by providing false birthdates. Additionally, Snapchat was found to be the most popular app among underage social media users. Following the Reuters report, the ICO received numerous complaints from the public regarding Snap’s handling of children’s data, particularly their failure to adequately restrict young children from accessing the platform.

Assessment of Allegations and Potential Investigation

Concerns raised by the public and the Reuters report prompted the ICO to engage with users and other regulators to evaluate whether there have been any breaches by Snap. The ICO spokesperson confirmed that the regulatory body continues to monitor and assess the measures that Snapchat and other social media platforms are taking to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. A decision on launching a formal investigation into Snapchat is expected to be made within the next few months.

If the ICO finds Snap in violation of its rules, the company could face a fine of up to 4% of its annual global turnover, equivalent to an estimated $184 million based on recent financial results. Snapchat and other social media platforms face increasing pressure worldwide to improve content moderation on their platforms. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Young Children (NSPCC) reported that Snapchat accounted for 43% of cases involving the distribution of indecent images of children through social media. Despite these alarming figures, Snapchat has remained silent when asked for comment by Reuters. Earlier this year, the ICO fined TikTok £12.7 million ($16.2 million) for mishandling children’s data, citing inadequate action to remove underage users. In response, TikTok highlighted its substantial investments in preventing under-13s from using the platform and the efforts of its extensive safety team working tirelessly to keep the app secure.

The Measures Taken by Snapchat and Other Platforms

Snapchat does implement some measures to prevent underage users from signing up with a birthdate that indicates they are under 13. However, other platforms take more proactive steps to address this issue. For instance, TikTok continues to block individuals who attempt to sign up with a false birthdate, even if they are under the age of 13. It is crucial for social media companies like Snapchat to adopt stricter safeguards to protect young users from potential risks and ensure that their platforms remain age-appropriate.

Snapchat’s handling of underage users has come under scrutiny by the ICO due to concerns about non-compliance with UK data protection laws. The regulator is currently gathering information to assess whether Snapchat has taken sufficient measures to remove underage users from its platform. The potential consequences for Snap could be significant, including substantial fines. The case also highlights the increasing global pressure on social media platforms to improve content moderation and protect underage users. It remains to be seen whether Snapchat will face a formal investigation, but the outcome of this case has important implications for the future of underage user protection on social media platforms.