Utah’s lawsuit against Snapchat exposes how tech giants profit from deliberately addicting children while enabling sexual predators and drug traffickers to exploit vulnerable youth.
Key Takeaways
- Utah is suing Snap Inc., claiming Snapchat’s design intentionally creates addiction in children while facilitating drug sales, sexual exploitation, and trafficking.
- The lawsuit highlights problematic features like disappearing messages, Snapstreaks, and the “My AI” chatbot that collects user data even in “Ghost Mode.”
- This is Utah’s fourth lawsuit against social media companies, following actions against Meta and TikTok, as part of a broader effort to protect children online.
- Snapchat is accused of violating the Utah Consumer Privacy Act by collecting geolocation data without proper disclosure and failing to allow users to opt out of sensitive data sharing.
- The lawsuit cites specific cases of adults using Snapchat to prey on Utah children and drug cartels operating through the platform.
Utah Takes Bold Stand Against Social Media Giant
Utah has launched a significant legal battle against Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, accusing the social media platform of deliberately designing features that addict children and enable criminal activity. This lawsuit represents the state’s fourth legal action against major social media companies, following previous lawsuits against Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok. Utah officials argue that Snapchat’s design exploits children’s psychological vulnerabilities for financial gain while creating an environment where sexual predators and drug dealers can easily target minors.
“Utah is taking a stand to protect our kids in an increasingly digital world. This lawsuit against Snap is about accountability and about drawing a clear line: the well-being of our children must come before corporate profits. We won’t sit back while tech companies exploit young users. It’s time for commonsense protections that ensure a safer online experience for every minor,” said Governor Cox.
Dangerous Design Features and Privacy Violations
The lawsuit specifically highlights several Snapchat features as particularly problematic for young users. The platform’s signature disappearing messages, which automatically delete after viewing, are identified as encouraging risky behavior and providing perfect cover for predators. Snapstreaks, which reward users for consecutive days of communication, create psychological pressure to maintain constant engagement. Perhaps most concerning is the “My AI” chatbot feature, powered by ChatGPT, which has been criticized for lacking adequate safety protocols and providing inappropriate advice to minors.
“This, of all the cases, this one really matters, because this is where kids are,” stated Utah Attorney General Derek Brown.
The legal complaint also accuses Snap of violating the Utah Consumer Privacy Act by failing to properly inform users about data collection practices. The lawsuit alleges that Snapchat collects detailed geolocation data without clear disclosure and doesn’t allow users to opt out of sharing sensitive information. Even more concerning, the “My AI” feature reportedly continues collecting user data even when users believe they are in “Ghost Mode” and can only be removed by purchasing a paid subscription, essentially forcing children to pay to protect their privacy.
Facilitating Criminal Activity Against Children
Utah’s lawsuit presents disturbing evidence that Snapchat has become a platform of choice for criminal activity targeting minors. The complaint details cases of sexual assault and drug trafficking facilitated through the app, including instances of adults preying on children in Utah. One particularly alarming allegation describes Snapchat as a “virtual market for drug cartels,” with a significant drug distribution ring operating through the app as recently as 2019. The platform’s design, which makes communication difficult to track, creates an ideal environment for these illegal activities.
“Snapchat’s features facilitate sexual predators and drug dealers’ efforts to target and exploit children. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect Utah kids from exploitation. My office will not be deterred in its efforts to keep children safe online,” declared General Brown.
Utah Demands Accountability and Protection for Children
The lawsuit seeks substantial penalties against Snap Inc. and demands relief measures that would force the company to prioritize children’s well-being over profit. Utah officials emphasize that this legal action represents part of a broader effort to establish proper safeguards for minors in online environments. With support from Governor Spencer Cox, the state’s Attorney General and Department of Commerce are united in this effort to hold tech companies accountable for the harm they cause to young users.
“If I’m the head of this company, and I understand how much my product is harming kids and how unsafe it is, why would I keep doing this?” questioned Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.
This case highlights the growing tension between the profit motives of social media companies and their ethical responsibilities toward vulnerable users. Utah’s aggressive legal approach may serve as a model for other states concerned about protecting children from the harmful effects of addictive technology and online predators. As digital platforms become increasingly integrated into children’s lives, the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies design and operate their services.
