News Post

Snap failed to warn users about sextortion risks, state lawsuit alleges

Livemint · 28d

- Internal documents reveal that Snapchat was receiving 10,000 reports of sextortion each month in November 2022, with the actual number likely being much higher due to underreporting. - Snap was informed that the combination of its young user base and disappearing messages could lead users to believe that sexting on the app was safe. - An internal marketing document acknowledged that sexting had become a regular behavior among Generation Z, presenting a challenge for Snap to promote safety without discouraging usage. - Despite concerns about sextortion, Snap claims that sexting only accounts for a small fraction of messages exchanged on the platform. - Tests conducted by New Mexico investigators and even Snap employees found fault with Snap's safety-enhancing features, including continued exposure of minors to adult strangers through its "Quick Add" friend recommendations feature. - The state accuses Snap of pursuing growth initiatives that pose risks to young users and designing features that increase engagement while hindering user self-regulation.