The state of Florida has launched legal action against Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular social media app Snapchat, alleging that the company knowingly utilized addictive design tactics aimed at children and permitted underage users to create accounts in violation of newly enacted state law. The lawsuit, which was filed on Tuesday, represents a significant move by Florida to enforce its 2024 legislation meant to shield children from harmful digital content and compulsive social media behavior.
Snapchat Accused of Targeting Minors with Addictive Features
According to the complaint, Snap integrated several features into Snapchat—including infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, real-time push notifications, and user engagement metrics—that are designed to prolong screen time and trigger compulsive use among young users. Florida’s lawsuit claims that these mechanisms are intentionally crafted to exploit the neurological vulnerabilities of children and teenagers, thereby violating the state’s recently signed legislation designed to safeguard youth mental health.
The state argues that these design choices not only breach legal standards but also raise serious ethical concerns, particularly because Snapchat is marketed as safe for users aged 13 and up. Despite this, the platform allegedly allows children younger than 13 to create accounts, and it fails to implement proper parental consent mechanisms for 14- and 15-year-olds.
“Snap is actively deceiving Florida parents about the risks associated with letting their teens use Snapchat,” the lawsuit states, accusing the company of deliberately misleading families while exposing minors to disturbing content and illicit transactions. The filing claims that Snapchat can be used to access pornography and illegal substances, compounding the dangers to young users.
Legal Action Rooted in DeSantis-Backed Law
Florida’s complaint was filed in state court in Santa Rosa County, located in the state’s panhandle, and was announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier, a close ally of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The law at the heart of the lawsuit was championed by DeSantis earlier this year as a way to reduce digital harm among children and teens. It imposes stricter requirements on social media platforms to verify user ages, remove underage accounts, and obtain parental consent for minors under 16.
In its complaint, the state describes Snap’s behavior as “particularly egregious” because the company promotes Snapchat as a teen-friendly app while, in reality, creating an environment that facilitates harmful behavior and compulsive use. The legal filing seeks accountability and enforcement of the state’s new child safety protections.
Snap Responds, Defending Its Practices
Snap Inc., headquartered in Santa Monica, California, responded swiftly to the lawsuit, arguing that Florida’s law infringes on the First Amendment rights of both adults and minors. The company maintains that the legal framework set by the state goes too far by imposing broad restrictions on digital platforms that communicate with users.
In a statement, Snap emphasized the importance of platform-level responsibility but also pointed to alternative, “more privacy-conscious” solutions available at the device, operating system, and app store levels. The company suggested that these broader tech ecosystems offer more effective means of improving child safety and verifying user ages without compromising constitutional rights.
Legal Challenges to the Law Continue
Florida’s crackdown on tech companies over youth safety is also being challenged on constitutional grounds by two major technology industry groups. NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) have jointly filed a federal lawsuit in Tallahassee, the state capital, claiming the law overreaches and violates the constitutional protections afforded to online platforms and their users.
Their case argues that the law could lead to sweeping censorship and hinder access to information for both minors and adults. The outcome of that federal challenge may have implications for the broader enforcement of Florida’s youth protection law and will likely influence how other states approach similar regulations.
Snap’s Legal Battle Joins Growing Wave of Tech Scrutiny
Snap’s legal troubles in Florida are part of a broader movement by states across the U.S. to hold tech giants accountable for the effects of social media on young people. Multiple lawsuits, legislative proposals, and regulatory crackdowns have emerged in recent years in response to growing concerns about mental health, data privacy, and exposure to inappropriate content among youth online.
While Snapchat has long positioned itself as a messaging platform focused on privacy and ephemeral content, it has also faced criticism for failing to adequately moderate its content or prevent misuse by underage users. The Florida lawsuit adds to the mounting pressure on Snap to improve its policies, bolster age verification procedures, and redesign its platform in ways that better prioritize youth safety.
Outlook for the Case and Broader Implications
The case, Florida v. Snap Inc., has been filed in Florida Circuit Court under docket number 25000258CAAXMX. It could become a legal precedent that shapes how other states handle tech companies’ responsibilities toward underage users. If Florida succeeds in its suit, other states may follow with similar legislation or legal action, amplifying pressure on social media platforms to overhaul their engagement models.
As digital platforms continue to grapple with their role in child safety, mental health, and online behavior, this case underscores the high-stakes intersection between technology, law, and public welfare. Snap’s defense, based on constitutional arguments, will test the boundaries of state regulatory authority in the digital era—and the outcome may ultimately influence how platforms design features for their youngest users in the years ahead.
