Pennsylvania AG files suit against Snapchat over child safety and deceptive practices
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a lawsuit against Snap, alleging the company misrepresents the prevalence of adult content on Snapchat to keep a 13+ rating and uses features like Snap Streaks to foster addiction among minors. The suit claims violations of state consumer protection laws and seeks changes to Snapchat's marketing and transparency. Snap responded that the allegations misrepresent the platform's design and its commitment to teen safety.
The lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania, follows a similar complaint against TikTok announced weeks earlier, signaling a broader state-level push against social media platforms over youth safety. Attorney General Sunday specifically cited Snapchat’s Snap Streak feature, which rewards daily exchanges between users, as a mechanism that pressures children into constant engagement. He also pointed to the app’s ephemeral messaging design, arguing it encourages riskier posts like revealing selfies. The state seeks to force changes to Snapchat’s marketing and transparency practices under Pennsylvania’s consumer protection laws.
Snap’s response emphasized that the platform opens to a camera rather than a content feed, positioning itself as a tool for private connection rather than passive consumption. The company expressed disappointment that litigation was chosen over collaboration, while reiterating its stated commitment to teen safety. The case’s outcome could hinge on whether courts view Snapchat’s design choices as deceptive under consumer statutes, a question that may influence how other states approach similar platforms.
This suit could reshape how social media companies market to minors, potentially forcing clearer disclosures about addictive features and content moderation limits. Parents may gain more leverage in demanding transparency, while platforms might face increased regulatory pressure across states. If successful, the case could set a precedent for holding tech firms liable under consumer protection laws, affecting not only Snapchat but also peers like TikTok. However, the impact depends on legal interpretation and whether courts accept the argument that design features constitute deceptive practices.