By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
In a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, a joint filing from the Utah Office of the Attorney General and Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection takes aim against Snapchat and its parent company, Snap, Inc.
The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, June 30, alleges that the app profits from features that are designed to keep underage users addicted, as well as platforming ‘illegal drug sales and sextortion.’
This lawsuit follows failed attempts by the state to defend a law that would have required social media companies operating in the state to verify the ages of its users and severely restrict access to those under 18. A federal judge halted this law in September of 2024.
“Utah is taking a stand to protect our kids in an increasingly digital world. This lawsuit against Snap is about accountability and about drawing a clear line: the well-being of our children must come before corporate profits,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “We won’t sit back while tech companies exploit young users. It’s time for common sense protections that ensure a safer online experience for every minor.”
The lawsuit also aims at Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ feature, alleging that” Snap’s introduction of “My AI,” a virtual chatbot, is criticized for lacking proper testing and safety protocols, and for giving misleading or harmful advice to underage users, including how to hide alcohol and drugs or set the mood for a sexual experience with an adult … My AI collects user geolocation data even when “Ghost Mode” is activated, and Snap fails to clearly disclose this or the involvement of OpenAI in data processing.”
The company claims that the allegations set forth by the lawsuit are ‘misleading.’ “While we share the AGs focus on ensuring the thoughtful development of generative AI, this complaint’s allegations are misleading,” said a company spokesperson. “Since launching to all Snapchatters in April 2023, Snap has updated My AI with additional safety and privacy protections, and it continues to regularly monitor and evaluate My AI to ensure that it adheres to our rigorous data privacy and safety standards for all users.”
“Utah’s youth deserve a safe digital environment, free from exploitation and harmful influences. Our lawsuit against Snap serves as a critical reminder that companies must prioritize the welfare of our children over profit,” said Margaret Woolley Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “We are committed to enforcing the necessary protections and standing up against practices that endanger the mental and emotional well-being of young users.”
Snap, Inc. isn’t the first social media company the state has filed against. Other companies that have faced litigation include Meta Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok.
In a statement from Snap, Inc., the company denies the allegations set forth by the state: “Snap has no higher priority than the safety of Snapchatters. We are committed to making Snapchat a safe and fun environment for our community, and have built privacy and safety features into our service from the start.”
The statement continues,” Last year, a social media law passed in Utah was preliminarily enjoined after the court ruled it was likely unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. Now, unable to accept the court’s rejection of the state’s legislation, the Utah Attorney General is resorting to civil litigation as a means to circumvent the court and impose age verification requirements and age-related restrictions in ways that are unconstitutional.”
A full copy of the filing can be viewed here.