Popular social media app Snapchat is currently being sued for allegedly exposing minors into explicit content found on its Discover feature, which the company hosts in tandem with third-party media partners.
Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos filed the suit, stating that the social media company does not do enough to protect minors from accessing sexual content inside the app. He particularly raises concerns about contents on Discover like “People share their secret rules for sex” and “10 things he thinks when he can’t make you orgasm," which the lawsuit considers as “adult-rated content that parents would likely prohibit” had they known the app hosts such content.
Snapchat is known by many as an app where users can exchange photos which disappear after a few moments. It also introduced a new feature called Discover, which aims to provide users with news and information they find useful or entertaining, all of which come from third party media companies.
To be able to sign up for Snapchat, a user has to claim that they are at least 13 years old. The company"s Terms of Service specifically advises its users not to send sexually explicit material on the app. However, it does not say anything about stumbling upon any sexual content on the Discover app or on any other parts.
Geragos is reportedly seeking $50,000 in damages per day, stating that the circumstance is a violation of federal law. He adds that over 25 people have already contacted him which all expressed concerns about how easy the app makes children access crude and sexual content. An unnamed minor, as well as its parent, Lynette Young, are listed as the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, seeking class-action status.
Noah Edwardsen, Snapchat"s spokesperson said that while they have not been formally served the lawsuit yet, he apologizes if anyone became offended by the contents found in Discover. "Our Discover partners have editorial independence, which is something that we support," he said.
A hearing of Geragos" suit filed at the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles is still bound to be scheduled.
Back in April, Snapchat was sued by a man from Georgia after another user used the app"s speed filter, which caused him brain injuries and five weeks in intensive care.
Source: Los Angeles Times via Fox News