Snapchat to set Find Friends off by default for UK users under 18

Snapchat is beginning to implement a change that will set its "Find Friends" feature to off by default for users under 18 in the UK, as reported by the online safety watchdog, Ofcom. The platform describes this tool as a way to simplify adding friends by utilising information such as location, age, and current followers. While Snap stated that the feature is intended for "close and trusted real-life connections while prioritizing user safety," the company has previously faced criticism from Ofcom for allegedly failing to provide sufficient protection for minors.

"Given how widely Snapchat is used by UK children, this is an important and welcome improvement in child online safety," said Oliver Griffiths, the director for Ofcom's Online Safety Group. He added that the change is "long overdue" and noted that the regulator intends to ensure the company completes the rollout of this safety measure within the month. Griffiths also mentioned that Snap is expected to introduce "highly effective age checks" by the end of the year, warning that companies failing to bolster protections for young people could face enforcement action.

The UK media regulator possesses the authority to impose fines of up to 18 million pounds or 10 percent of qualifying worldwide revenue on firms that do not comply. Furthermore, the UK government is planning to prohibit social media access for those under 16, a proposal announced by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this year. Meanwhile, the European Union has launched a formal investigation into Snap to determine if the platform has violated Digital Services Act regulations concerning the protection of younger users.