EU opens probe into Snapchat child safety compliance
Regulators examine whether Snapchat adequately prevents exposure of children to grooming attempts, illegal goods and harmful online interactions with adults.
The European Commission has launched formal proceedings to assess whether Snapchat is complying with child protection obligations under the Digital Services Act. The investigation focuses on whether the platform ensures adequate safety, privacy, and security for minors.
Authorities suspect Snapchat may have failed to prevent exposure of children to grooming attempts, recruitment for criminal activity, and content linked to illegal goods such as drugs, vapes, and alcohol.
Concerns also include whether minors can be effectively prevented from accessing the platform or interacting with adults posing as peers.
The inquiry will examine age assurance methods, default account settings, reporting tools, and the spread of illegal content. Regulators argue that self-declared age may be insufficient, while default settings and recommendations may expose minors to risks.
The Commission will now gather further evidence through information requests, inspections, and interviews, and may take enforcement actions, including interim measures or penalties.
National regulators will support the investigation as part of coordinated oversight under the Digital Services Act.
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