Snapchat Tightens Content Controls to Safeguard Young Users

Snapchat has announced a new set of content controls aimed at protecting users under 16 from being doxxed.

Under the new restrictions, users between 13 and 15 years old will only be able to share Spotlight posts with people they follow back. This means that their posts won't be visible to the public, and they won't be able to share them with strangers or users they don't know.

Users under 16 will also get a separate profile to show Stories and Spotlight posts to friends that they follow back. However, the content for these users won't show metrics like favorite counts, which can create pressure to rank up engagement.

Until now, Snapchat has allowed users under 16 to share Spotlight posts with everyone, though their posts weren't attributed to their profiles, preventing other users from contacting them.

The new restrictions are part of Snapchat's ongoing efforts to protect underage users from harassment and online abuse. The company has taken several steps in recent years to restrict the type of content teenagers can see on the platform and prevent strangers from sending friend requests or messages to teens.

Users aged 16 to 18 can still share Spotlight posts publicly, but their posts will be limited to friends, followers, and users with whom they share mutual friends. Additionally, parents can see how much time their kids spent on parts of the platform, like Stories and Spotlight, through the Family Center.

This move comes as social media platforms like Instagram have also moved to restrict experiences for teenage users in recent years. The company is also facing several lawsuits across the U.S. related to social media addiction.

In an interview with CNBC, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel cited studies to say Snapchat has a "positive impact" on users as it connects them to friends, and that the service shouldn't be lumped with the likes of TikTok and Instagram.

The new restrictions are a step in the right direction for Snapchat, and it will be interesting to see how they impact the platform's user base. Only time will tell if these measures will be enough to prevent doxxing and other forms of online harassment.

Key Takeaways

• Users under 16 can only share Spotlight posts with people they follow back
• Users under 16 will get a separate profile to show Stories and Spotlight posts to friends that they follow back
• Users under 16 won't be able to see metrics like favorite counts on their posts

What's Next?

As Snapchat continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its users, it will be interesting to see how these new restrictions impact the platform. Only time will tell if these measures will be enough to prevent doxxing and other forms of online harassment.

Conclusion

Snapchat's new content controls are a positive step towards protecting young users from online harassment. As the platform continues to evolve, it's clear that the company is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all its users.