The European Union (EU) announced on Oct. 10 that it has opened an investigation into whether popular social media apps Snapchat and YouTube, along with the Apple Pay and Google Play online stores, are properly safeguarding minors from accessing harmful content.
The EU’s executive body, the European Commission, requested that the platforms provide information on their age verification systems, as well as how they block minors from accessing illegal products such as vape pens or drugs, or harmful materials that could promote negative behaviors, such as eating disorders.
Specifically, the commission requested information from Snapchat on the steps it takes to ensure children under the age of 13—a demographic not allowed to use the app under its terms of service—are not bypassing the app’s age verification controls and accessing the app….