Snapchat
Snapchat's disappearing message design has made it a primary tool for sextortion schemes targeting minors. NCMEC reports jumped 65% year-over-year in 2024. While Snap has introduced Family Center and AI-based detection, the ephemeral nature of its platform continues to pose unique risks.
Below average — minimal protections relative to platform size and risk exposure.
1,174,698
NCMEC Reports (2024)
713,055
NCMEC Reports (2023)
↑ 64.7%
Year-over-Year Change
NCMEC Reports Comparison (2024)
How Snapchat's reporting volume compares to other major platforms.
Safety Features Assessment
✓ What They Have
- ✓Hash-matching and AI detection for CSAM and grooming
- ✓Family Center parental monitoring
- ✓Default privacy settings for under-18
- ✓My AI safety features
✗ What's Missing or Failing
- ✗Disappearing messages make evidence collection difficult
- ✗Top platform for financial sextortion of minors
- ✗65% increase in NCMEC reports from 2023 to 2024
- ✗Ephemeral design creates false sense of security for teens
Lawsuits & Enforcement Actions
Part of Social Media Adolescent Addiction MDL
Texas AG sued Snap over child data privacy and exploitation
Identified as top platform for financial sextortion of minors
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Grade | 2024 Reports | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta (Facebook & Instagram) | D | 11,910,365 | ↓ 59.3% |
| C | 1,851,086 | ↑ 33.2% | |
| TikTok | C | 1,359,806 | ↑ 130.3% |
| Google / YouTube | B | 1,175,084 | ↓ 20.1% |
| Snapchat | D | 1,174,698 | ↑ 64.7% |
| Twitter / X | D | 686,176 | ↓ 21.2% |
| Discord | C | 241,354 | ↓ 28.9% |
| Microsoft / Xbox | B | 102,657 | ↓ 27.2% |
What Parents Should Know
Enable Family Center to monitor your child's contacts and report activity.
Be aware that disappearing messages make it difficult to review content after the fact.
Disable Quick Add to prevent strangers from finding your child's account.
Review and enable all available parental controls on this platform.
Have regular conversations with your child about their online activity.
Monitor friend/follower lists and direct messages periodically.