Snapchat

Snapchat, a popular social media platform, is currently facing increased scrutiny due to concerns surrounding underage users, potential addiction, and content moderation. Several countries, including Australia and potentially France, are implementing or considering bans on social media use for individuals under 15 or 16. In Australia, Snapchat has blocked over 400,000 accounts identified as belonging to users under 16, contributing to a total of 4.7 million accounts removed across various platforms. However, the company acknowledges limitations in age verification. Snapchat's parent company recently settled a social media addiction lawsuit before trial, while other tech giants still face similar legal challenges. The platform has also been implicated in instances of harmful content, as evidenced by a UK teenager using Snapchat to praise a murderer and express intent to commit violence. These events highlight the ongoing debate about the impact of social media on young people and the responsibilities of tech companies in ensuring user safety and well-being.