The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Snapchat to assess whether it complies with the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) in protecting minors online, according to official statements and reporting.
Regulators said the inquiry will examine whether the platform exposes children to risks such as grooming attempts, criminal recruitment, and contact with adults posing as minors. The Commission stated that Snapchat may not have implemented sufficient safeguards to prevent such interactions or limit exposure to harmful content.
The investigation will also review the platform’s handling of content linked to illegal or age-restricted products, including drugs, alcohol, and vapes. Authorities said they suspect Snapchat’s content moderation systems may be ineffective in preventing the spread of information related to the sale of these products.
A key area of focus is age verification. The Commission noted that Snapchat relies on self-declared age checks, which may not adequately prevent children under 13 from accessing the platform or ensure appropriate protections for users under 17. Regulators will also assess whether tools for reporting underage users and illegal content are accessible and effective.
Officials are further examining the platform’s default account settings and design. According to the Commission, these settings may not provide sufficient privacy and safety protections for minors, and users may not receive clear guidance on how to adjust them. Authorities also raised concerns about the potential use of design practices that could make safety tools harder to find or use.
The investigation follows earlier national-level inquiries, including a Dutch probe into the sale of vaping products to minors via the platform. The European Commission has incorporated those findings into its broader review.
Under the Digital Services Act, large online platforms are required to mitigate risks related to illegal content and user safety, particularly for minors. If violations are confirmed, the company could face enforcement measures, including potential financial penalties or required changes to its systems.
Snapchat said it is cooperating with regulators and reviewing its safeguards as part of the process.