Snapchat Under Fire for Failing to Address Reports of Sextortion in New Mexico Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed by New Mexico’s attorney general highlights Snapchat’s failure to take action on numerous reports of child grooming, sextortion, and other risks to minors on its platform. The original complaint was filed on September 4 by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, with internal messages and details heavily redacted. However, a recent filing has revealed internal communications among Snap Inc. employees and executives that suggest Snapchat’s design features create an environment conducive to sextortion and other forms of abuse towards minors.
The lawsuit indicates that former trust and safety employees faced resistance from management when trying to implement safety measures. Additionally, reports of grooming and sextortion were reportedly being overlooked, with one account remaining active despite 75 reports of concerning behaviour. Snap Inc. stated that they have safety mechanisms in place, including leveraging technology to detect and block suspicious activity, but the lawsuit alleges that the company failed to warn parents and users about the prevalence of sextortion on the platform.
Internal emails referenced in the lawsuit show that Snapchat was receiving around 10,000 user reports of sextortion per month in November 2022, indicating a significant issue that was not being adequately addressed. While Snap Inc. claims to have safety protocols in place, the lawsuit argues that the company was aware of the problem but did not take sufficient action to protect its users. The lawsuit, filed in state court in Santa Fe, also alleges that Snapchat promotes child trafficking, as well as the sale of drugs and guns.
Snapchat’s response to the lawsuit emphasised their commitment to evolving safety measures and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure user protection. However, the legal action taken by New Mexico’s attorney general underscores the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for safeguarding vulnerable users from online threats.