The European Union has launched an investigation into Snapchat over concerns that the platform may not be doing enough to protect minors from harmful content and online risks.
The European Commission announced on Thursday that it is probing whether the US-based messaging app violated provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in relation to the safety of children using the platform.
According to the Commission, the investigation will examine if Snapchat exposed minors to grooming attempts and content linked to illegal activities, including the sale of drugs.
Snapchat, which has about 97 million monthly active users across the 27-member EU bloc, is widely used by teenagers and young adults, making concerns about child safety particularly significant.
The probe marks the first formal investigation into Snapchat under the EU’s DSA framework, a sweeping digital regulation aimed at holding tech companies accountable for online content and user safety.
Responding to the development, Snapchat said the safety and well-being of its users remain a top priority.
“As online risks evolve, we continuously review, strengthen, and invest in these safeguards,” a company spokesperson said, adding that the platform has been cooperating fully with the Commission.
“We have engaged proactively, transparently, and in good faith to meet the DSA’s high safety standards,” the spokesperson added.
The DSA, which came into force to ensure stricter oversight of digital platforms, has faced criticism from some quarters, including the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for how social media platforms operate within the European Union, particularly regarding the protection of minors online.
