Utah files lawsuit against Snapchat alleging misrepresentation of the internet platform’s safety | News

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah has fired another salvo in its war on social media by filing suit against the internet platform Snapchat. Filed in state court on June 30, the lawsuit alleged that Snapchat is designed to steal time and attention away from teens at the expense of their development, health and welfare. “The well-bring of our children must come before corporate profits,” according to Gov. Spencer Cox. “We won’t sit back while tech companies exploit young users.” The lawsuit — jointly announced by Cox, Attorney General Derek Brown and Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce – is the state’s fourth court action against a major social media company, including coordinated lawsuits filed against Meta and TikTok. The court papers charge that Snapchat profits from “… unconscionable design features created to addict children to the app and facilitates illegal drug sales and sextortion.” The Utah lawsuit also criticizes Snapchat’s artificial intelligence chatbot, My AI. State officials contend that My AI was still experimental when it was released, lacking proper testing and safety protocols. The chatbot gives misleading and harmful advice to underage users, including how to hide alcohol and drugs or set the mood for
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