Snapchat limits users under 16 to sharing Spotlights with friends

In a bid to enhance the safety of its younger audience, Snapchat is implementing new content-sharing regulations. Users aged between 13 and 15 will now have the ability to share their Spotlight posts exclusively with friends they follow back. This move aims to reduce the risks of doxxing, ensuring that underage users have a more secure experience on the platform. The social media platform has announced that users under 16 will be given a distinct profile designed for sharing Stories and Spotlight posts solely with their mutual friends. This new setup will not display engagement metrics, such as favorites, which can often create pressure among young users to gather more likes and views. Previously, Snapchat allowed this age group to post Spotlight content publicly, but their contributions were not linked to their profiles, which helped shield them from unwanted interactions. Users aged 16 to 18 will still retain the option to share Spotlight posts with the public; however, their visibility will be restricted to friends, mutual followers, and those they share connections with. Additionally, parents will have access to their children's activity on the platform via the Family Center, allowing them to monitor time spent on features like Stories and Spotlight. Snapchat continues to prioritize the safety of its younger users by preventing strangers from sending them friend requests or messages. Teen users receive a warning if they attempt to engage in a chat with someone they do not know, and the platform also limits the type of content available to them. This initiative follows a broader trend among social media platforms like Instagram, which have also taken steps to create safer experiences for teenage users. Earlier this year, Snapchat settled a lawsuit alleging it contributed to social media addiction, and it is currently defending itself against similar claims across the United States. In response to these challenges, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized the positive benefits of Snapchat in connecting friends, arguing that it should not be compared to other platforms like TikTok and Instagram.