Snapchat sued in the Netherlands: platform accused of being addictive and unsafe for children

The organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument has launched a class-action lawsuit against Snapchat in the Netherlands, representing six million users. The foundation claims the platform is intentionally addictive, citing features like Snapstreaks and Snapscores that pressure young users to interact constantly. They are calling for the implementation of school and night modes for minors to prevent excessive usage and improve digital well-being.

Beyond addiction concerns, the lawsuit highlights significant safety issues, arguing that location-based features and friend suggestions expose minors to grooming, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. The organization is seeking financial compensation of up to 2,500 euros per user and demanding stricter moderation of accounts associated with illicit content. A spokesperson for Snap stated that the company prioritizes safety, noting that location sharing is optional and that users can pause streaks, although the foundation remains critical of the platform's design.