Snapchat Is A “Breeding Ground” For Child Predators, According To New Mexico Lawsuit
Gabby Miller / Sep 5, 2024
Snapchat logo and icon displayed on smartphone. Source.
On Sept. 5, 2024, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed suit against Snap Inc., alleging the design and implementation of certain features on its social media platform make it one of the “most pernicious purveyors of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) and harm-inducing features on children’s electronic devices.”
The suit (State of New Mexico v. Snap Inc.) alleges that Snapchat, a popular social media app that allows users to exchange photos and videos, was designed to attract and addict young people; openly fosters and promotes “illicit sexual material involving children”; and facilitates “sextortion” and the trafficking of children, drugs, and guns. This, combined with the company willfully misleading the public on the safety and design of its platform, amounts to a public nuisance in violation of the state’s Unfair Practices Act, according to the 164-page filing.
The state is seeking civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation and to permanently enjoin Snap and its employees from engaging in the alleged public nuisance the company has caused.
This post will be updated shortly.
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