Utah sues Snapchat for ‘deceptive,’ addictive features, saying the app harms children

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has accused the owner of the social media platform Snapchat of using “deceptive,” addictive features to attract children to the app and not doing enough to protect young users’ well-being and privacy. The state made the allegations in a 90-page lawsuit filed against Snap Inc. in Utah’s 3rd District Court on Monday, claiming the company has violated state laws on consumer protection and privacy. The complaint aims to stop what the state alleges is “Snap’s continued use of deceptive design features that addict children; harm their mental health and well-being; and facilitate illegal drug sales, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, the distribution of pornography and other unlawful acts.” “Snapchat’s features facilitate sexual predators and drug dealers’ efforts to target and exploit children,” said Attorney General Derek Brown, whose office filed suit on behalf of the state’s Division of Consumer Protection. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect Utah kids from exploitation. My office will not be deterred in its efforts to keep children safe online.” It’s not the first legal action Utah has taken against major social media platforms in recent years, and many of the allegations in this lawsuit — including
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