New Mexico Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Snapchat Over Child Safety Concerns
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, alleging the social media platform has failed to adequately protect minors from dangers such as child grooming and sextortion. The complaint, recently unredacted, reveals internal messages and issues that have raised significant concerns about the company’s approach to user safety.
According to the lawsuit, former trust and safety employees at Snapchat reported facing pushback from management when attempting to implement stronger safety mechanisms. The complaint highlights instances where reports of grooming and sextortion were allegedly overlooked, including a case where an account with 75 reports remained active on the platform.
In response to the allegations, Snap Inc. issued a statement emphasizing the platform’s built-in safety features and deliberate design choices aimed at protecting users. The company also stated its ongoing efforts to evolve safety mechanisms and policies, as well as its collaboration with law enforcement and government agencies.
However, the lawsuit claims that Snapchat was aware of the sextortion issue but failed to adequately warn users and parents. An internal email cited in the complaint revealed that the platform received approximately 10,000 monthly user reports of sextortion. The lawsuit also points out challenges in reporting such incidents, noting that users often feel embarrassed or struggle to categorize their experiences accurately.
The complaint further alleges that Snapchat has inadvertently promoted child trafficking and facilitated the sale of illicit drugs and firearms through its platform.
Filed in Santa Fe state court, this lawsuit could have significant implications for Snap Inc. and may lead to potential legal consequences. The case highlights growing concerns about social media platforms’ responsibilities in ensuring the safety of their younger users.
As this legal battle unfolds, it is likely to draw attention to the broader issue of online safety for minors and the measures social media companies are expected to implement to protect their most vulnerable users.