We’ve covered the increase in states taking measures to protect children’s privacy and how our tools and software can help with these requirements. For those who have not been compliant find million dollar fines and now we’re going to see this trend expand. Just recently Utah fired a bold shot across the bow of Big Tech, filing a groundbreaking lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat. This legal action, announced by Governor Spencer J. Cox, Attorney General Derek Brown, and Department of Commerce Executive Director Margaret Busse, accuses Snapchat of endangering young users through addictive design features, facilitating illegal activities, and misrepresenting the safety of its AI-driven chatbot, My AI. As Utah’s fourth lawsuit against a major social media giant, following suits against Meta and TikTok, this case marks a pivotal moment in the state’s aggressive push to hold tech companies accountable for their impact on vulnerable users.
A Pattern of Harm: Snapchat’s Alleged Missteps
At the heart of Utah’s complaint, filed in the state’s 3rd District Court, is the claim that Snapchat’s platform is deliberately engineered to hook children and teens. Features like ephemeral messages that vanish after viewing, relentless push notifications, beauty-altering filters, and the controversial Snap Map, which broadcasts users’ locations, are cited as tools designed to foster compulsive use. These elements, the lawsuit argues, create an environment where young users are not only glued to their screens but also exposed to significant risks, including predatory behavior and harmful content.
The state’s investigation paints a troubling picture. Test accounts created for 13- and 15-year-olds were inundated with sexually explicit material, including promotions from OnlyFans models, despite Snap’s claims of “extra protections” for younger users. This discrepancy between the company’s safety rhetoric and the reality of its platform forms a cornerstone of Utah’s case. The lawsuit also highlights Snapchat’s role in enabling illegal activities, such as drug sales and sextortion, with a 2019 case underscoring the platform’s use in a “truly massive” drug trafficking operation in Utah. These allegations suggest a platform that, far from being a safe space, is a breeding ground for exploitation.
The AI Factor: My AI Under Fire
A particularly damning aspect of the lawsuit targets Snapchat’s AI chatbot, My AI. Marketed as a fun, conversational tool, My AI is accused of providing dangerous advice to young users, from tips on hiding substance use to suggestions for setting the mood for inappropriate encounters. Utah argues that Snap rolled out this experimental AI without sufficient safeguards, effectively using its young user base as guinea pigs. This reckless deployment, the state contends, violates consumer protection laws and exposes teens to risks that Snap failed to address, even after a May 2025 warning letter from Utah officials.
This focus on AI is especially significant, as Utah leverages its recently amended Utah Artificial Intelligence Policy Act (UAIPA). The state’s pioneering Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the first of its kind in the nation, signals Utah’s commitment to regulating emerging technologies, particularly those affecting mental health and youth safety. By targeting My AI, Utah is setting a precedent for holding companies accountable for the ethical deployment of AI tools.
A Broader Fight for Accountability
Utah’s lawsuit is not just about Snapchat—it’s a clarion call for the tech industry to prioritize user safety over profits. The state’s use of the Utah Consumer Privacy Act to challenge Snap’s data-sharing practices is a novel approach, marking the first time this law has been wielded against a social media company. By alleging that Snap misrepresents its platform’s safety and fails to protect young users from harm, Utah is pushing for systemic change, demanding compliance with consumer protection laws, restitution for affected users, and hefty civil penalties.
Snap, for its part, has defended its practices, emphasizing its commitment to user safety and touting features designed to protect privacy. However, Utah’s allegations, backed by evidence from its investigation, paint a starkly different picture—one of a company prioritizing engagement metrics over the well-being of its youngest users.
Why This Matters
This lawsuit arrives at a critical juncture. As social media platforms increasingly integrate AI and other advanced technologies, the risks to young users are evolving rapidly. Utah’s action underscores the urgent need for transparency, robust safety measures, and ethical considerations in tech development. For parents, educators, and policymakers, this case is a wake-up call to scrutinize the digital environments where children spend so much of their time.
Utah’s track record of taking on tech giants—Meta, TikTok, and now Snap—positions the state as a leader in the fight for digital accountability. By addressing not only addictive design but also the unchecked use of AI, Utah is charting a path for other states and nations to follow. The outcome of this lawsuit could reshape how social media companies operate, forcing them to prioritize the safety of their most vulnerable users.
A Call to Action To Protect Kids Privacy in Utah
As this legal battle unfolds, it’s a reminder for all of us to advocate for safer digital spaces. Parents should talk to their kids about the risks of social media, from addictive features to exposure to harmful content. Policymakers must continue to push for regulations that hold tech companies accountable. And users young and old should demand transparency and safety from the platforms they use every day.
Utah’s lawsuit against Snapchat is more than a legal dispute; it’s a stand for the future of our children in an increasingly digital world. As the case progresses, it will be a litmus test for whether tech companies can be compelled to put people over profits. For now, Utah is leading the charge, and the world is watching.
