Florida Files Lawsuit Against Snapchat for Allegedly Targeting Children With Addictive Features

Florida Files Lawsuit Against Snapchat for Allegedly Targeting Children With Addictive Features

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The state of Florida has taken legal action against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, accusing the tech firm of using addictive design elements that allegedly endanger children’s mental health and mislead parents about platform safety.

Filed in Santa Rosa County Circuit Court, the lawsuit claims that Snapchat employs tools such as endless scrolling, auto-play video, and push notifications—features designed to keep minors excessively engaged. According to state officials, these tactics contribute to compulsive behavior among young users, in violation of Florida’s 2024 online child protection law.

Florida Accuses Snap Inc. of Deceptive Practices

The complaint, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier, alleges that Snapchat is accessible to users under the age of 13 and fails to require parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. Officials argue that this contradicts the company’s claim of being safe for teenagers and enables exposure to harmful content, including illicit substances and explicit material.

“Snapchat’s actions pose a serious threat to children’s mental well-being,” Uthmeier stated. “By sidestepping age restrictions and misleading families, Snap Inc. is putting Florida’s youth at risk.”

Snap Inc. Pushes Back on Allegations

In a public response, Snap Inc. argued that Florida’s law infringes on constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression for both minors and adults. The company also suggested that privacy and safety measures are better enforced through device-level or app store controls, rather than platform-specific mandates.

Broader Legal Battle Against Florida’s Child Safety Law

The case comes amid ongoing challenges to the law from national tech advocacy groups such as NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which have filed lawsuits questioning its constitutionality in federal court.

Florida’s lawsuit represents the first major test of the law’s enforceability at the state level. The case is formally titled Florida v. Snap Inc., Case No. 25000258CAAXMX.