Sextortion: Sexual and Financial Exploitation: Snapchat Launches Tools to Protect Teens from It

Luc Williams

Clare Duffy writes for CNN about the new solutions introduced by Snapchat.

New security features on Snapchat

The safety features, which the company announced would be coming to the app on July 9, include a warning pop-up that will appear when a teen or tween receives a message from someone not on their contact list. An additional warning will appear for messages from users who have been previously blocked or reported by others, and if the contact is from a different region than most of the teen’s friends on the app.

The company is also introducing new security measures that will prevent blocked users from using other accounts to solicit people. When a person blocks someone’s account, any new accounts created on the same device will also be automatically blocked.

Increase in crimes on social media

– We’ve launched a new solution to protect users from unwanted contacts while improving the connections with friends that make our app so special, said Jacqueline Beauchere, Snapchat’s Chief Security Officer.

Recently, social media companies have been introducing new features to increase user safety due to pressure from the US government. Before Snapchat, Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, did so. The pressure on companies has come as a result of the increase in sexual and financial crimes committed against teenagers via social media in recent years.

ATTENTION! If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact one of the trusted institutions:

– 116 123 – Crisis Helpline (Mon-Fri, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.)

– 800 12 00 02 – “Blue Line” for people experiencing domestic violence (open 24/7)

– 116 111 – helpline for children and young people (daily, 12:00-2:00)

– 22 628 52 22 – helpline for LGBTQIA+ people

About LUC WILLIAMS

Luc's expertise lies in assisting students from a myriad of disciplines to refine and enhance their thesis work with clarity and impact. His methodical approach and the knack for simplifying complex information make him an invaluable ally for any thesis writer.