Key Takeaways

1. Snapchat faces lawsuits across multiple states involving allegations of child endangerment, mental health harms, employment discrimination, and privacy violations.
2. State attorneys general and private parties are increasingly targeting social media platforms like Snapchat for their role in facilitating illegal or harmful activities, especially those affecting minors.
3. Settlements and ongoing litigation highlight the evolving legal landscape for tech companies, emphasizing the need for compliance with child safety, employment, and privacy laws.

Introduction

Snapchat, operated by Snap Inc., is one of the most widely used social media platforms among teenagers and young adults. Its unique features, such as disappearing messages and filters, have made it popular but also controversial. In recent years, Snapchat has faced a series of lawsuits and regulatory actions across the United States. These legal challenges cover a broad range of issues, from child safety and mental health to employment discrimination and privacy concerns.

This guide provides an overview of the current legal landscape surrounding Snapchat. It covers major lawsuits, regulatory actions, and settlements, with a focus on official sources and public records. The goal is to inform attorneys, policymakers, and the public about the key legal risks and developments affecting Snapchat.

Child Safety and Sexual Exploitation Lawsuits

Vermont: Allegations of Aiding and Abetting Abuse

In Vermont, Snap Inc. is facing a lawsuit filed by the parents of two children. The complaint alleges that Snapchat aided and abetted a man who committed child sexual abuse. The parents claim that the platform’s features enabled harmful interactions between their children and the alleged abuser. This case raises questions about the responsibility of social media companies to monitor and prevent abuse on their platforms.

For more details, see the VTDigger report.

New Mexico: Lawsuit to Protect Children from Sextortion

In New Mexico, Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc. The suit seeks to protect children from sextortion, sexual exploitation, and other online harms. The complaint argues that Snapchat’s design and moderation practices are insufficient to prevent predators from targeting minors. This legal action is part of a broader trend of state-level enforcement aimed at holding tech companies accountable for child safety.

Official press releases are available from the New Mexico Department of Justice and here.

Fentanyl and Drug Sale Lawsuits

Snapchat has also been implicated in lawsuits related to the sale of fentanyl-laced pills to teenagers. Families in several states allege that the platform facilitated illegal drug sales that resulted in the deaths of their children. These lawsuits claim that Snapchat’s disappearing messages and lack of effective moderation enabled drug dealers to operate with impunity.

For more information, see the Social Media Victims Law Center press release and coverage by the Los Angeles Times.

State Regulatory Actions: Florida’s Lawsuit

Florida: Enforcement of Social Media Laws

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken legal action against Snapchat, alleging violations of state laws designed to protect minors. The lawsuit claims that Snapchat’s features are addictive and harmful, contributing to mental health issues among children and teens. Florida’s legal action is part of a broader effort to enforce new social media laws that restrict access for minors and require platforms to implement safety measures.

Official statements and news releases are available from the Florida Attorney General’s Office, CBS News Miami, and Fox 13 News.

Mental Health and Addictive Design Lawsuits

Allegations of Harm to Teenagers

Snapchat is facing lawsuits alleging that its design encourages compulsive use and contributes to mental health problems among teenagers. Plaintiffs argue that features such as streaks, filters, and disappearing messages foster addictive behaviors and negative social comparisons. These lawsuits claim that Snapchat’s algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement at the expense of users’ mental health.

For more information, see the Social Media Victims Law Center, TorHoerman Law, and Motley Rice.

Employment Discrimination and Workplace Lawsuits

California: $15 Million Settlement for Sex-Based Discrimination

In June 2024, Snapchat reached a $15 million settlement with the California Civil Rights Department. The settlement resolves allegations of sex-based employment discrimination, equal pay violations, and sexual harassment. The state’s investigation found evidence of systemic discrimination against women at Snap Inc., including unequal pay and hostile work environments.

The settlement requires Snap Inc. to implement new policies and training to ensure compliance with California’s employment laws. For official details, see the California Civil Rights Department press release and Associated Press coverage.

Privacy and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Actions

FTC Settlement Over Misleading Privacy Claims

In 2014, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled charges with Snapchat over misleading claims about the privacy of its disappearing messages. The FTC alleged that Snapchat misrepresented the extent to which messages would disappear and failed to secure user data adequately. As part of the settlement, Snapchat agreed to implement a comprehensive privacy program and to avoid misrepresenting its privacy practices in the future.

For the official settlement announcement, see the FTC press release.

Broader Implications for Social Media Regulation

The lawsuits and regulatory actions against Snapchat reflect broader concerns about the role of social media in society. Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly scrutinizing platforms for their impact on children, mental health, workplace equality, and privacy. These cases may set important precedents for how tech companies are held accountable for the harms associated with their products.

Attorneys and policymakers should monitor these developments closely. The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, and new regulations or court decisions could significantly affect the responsibilities of social media companies.

Conclusion

Snapchat’s legal challenges are diverse and complex. The company faces lawsuits and regulatory actions over child safety, mental health, employment discrimination, and privacy. These cases highlight the need for social media platforms to address potential harms and comply with legal standards. Attorneys and stakeholders should stay informed about ongoing litigation and regulatory trends.

For in-depth legal research and updates, visit Counsel Stack.

Disclaimer:
This guide provides a general overview of the current legal landscape regarding Snapchat lawsuits. It is not legal advice. Many of the lawsuits discussed are ongoing, and the information is based on current allegations and public records. Outcomes may change as cases proceed. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.