Snapchat's Discover feature is a curated feed of content from media companies and celebrities, but it's often filled with explicit and mature themes that are not suitable for all audiences.
The content on Discover is not regulated by Snapchat, allowing for a wide range of topics and themes to be shared.
Many users, including parents and educators, have expressed concerns about the content on Discover, citing its potential to expose children to mature themes and explicit language.
This lack of regulation can have serious consequences, including the potential for children to be exposed to explicit content and the spread of misinformation.
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Snapchat Discover Controversy
A 14-year-old boy recently filed a suit against Snapchat in California over sexually offensive content in its Discover section.
Snapchat's Discover section is where the problem lies, and it's where the boy encountered a post by Buzzfeed featuring Disney Characters with "pornographic text and innuendo next to the photographs."
The suit claims Snapchat failed to warn minors or their parents about the content, which is a clear violation of the US Communications and Decency act.
Snapchat's defense is that its media partners have "editorial independence", meaning they control what content appears in the Discover section, not Snapchat itself.
However, it's hard to believe that Snapchat doesn't influence what shows up in Discover, and many parents are oblivious to the issues raised in this suit.
The suit seeks an in-app warning about sexual content on the app, as well as other civil penalties, but Snapchat hasn't formally acknowledged receiving the lawsuit.
It's concerning to think about how many teens may have been negatively affected by the inappropriate content easily accessible on the app.
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Discover Content Issues
Snapchat's Discover section has been known to show edgy content, including sexually offensive material. This is evident from a recent lawsuit filed by a 14-year-old boy who came across a post with "pornographic text and innuendo" next to Disney character photographs.
Snapchat's response to this issue is that its media partners have editorial independence, meaning they control what users see under the Discover section. However, this doesn't entirely ring true, as users have reported seeing inappropriate content.
The lawsuit argues that Snapchat's failure to warn minors or their parents about such content is a violation of the US Communications and Decency Act. The suit seeks an in-app warning about sexual content on the app, along with other civil penalties.
To exert some control over the content in Snapchat ads and Discover, users can use the following options:
- Select “My AI” and tap “Block”
This can help minimize exposure to inappropriate content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop 18+ content in Snapchat?
To restrict sensitive content on Snapchat, go to your Profile, tap ⚙️, and toggle 'Restrict Sensitive Content' on in the Family Center section. This will help block 18+ content from appearing in your feed.
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