Danish research institutions have accused Snapchat of enabling “an overwhelming number of drug dealers,” thereby making it easier for minors to access substances like cocaine, opioids, and MDMA.
The platform claims to be actively employing technology to eliminate profiles engaged in drug sales. However, a study by Digitalt Ansvar, a Danish organization advocating for responsible digital development, revealed that usernames did not effectively limit drug-related language. The organization also criticized Snapchat for not adequately addressing reports of profiles that openly promote drug sales.
Investigators utilized a simulated 13-year-old profile and found numerous individuals selling drugs on Snapchat with usernames containing terms like “cola,” “weed,” and “molly.” After reporting 40 such accounts to Snapchat, only 10 were removed, while the remaining 30 were dismissed.
Snapchat claims that 75% of reported accounts are “actively disabled,” yet the platform has now acted on all reports.
The research highlighted that, despite prior criticisms, Snapchat’s recommendation system endorses and promotes profiles of individuals engaged in illegal drug sales, even reaching children who have not previously interacted with any drug-related content.
Within hours, the test profile for the 13-year-old was suggested to add a friend associated with a drug trafficking profile.
“We are eager to see future improvements,” remarked Hesby Holm Ask, CEO of Digitalt Ansvar.
“Snapchat claims to filter profiles that actively utilize the platform for drug sales, yet our findings indicate otherwise. Snapchat permissively allows the presence of drug-related profiles and fails to adequately address either implicit or explicit drug-related language in usernames.”
He further emphasized that not moderating profiles with such clear drug-related usernames implies that “children and young individuals can easily access illicit substances on Snapchat.” He stated, “The technology exists; what is lacking is the will. Snapchat could effortlessly filter out such usernames.”
According to Snapchat, by 2023, 90% of Scandinavians aged 13-24 were users of the platform. Digitalt Ansvar has accused Snapchat of violating EU digital service regulations concerning child safety and has called for action from authorities.
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A Snapchat representative stated: “We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug sales on Snapchat. Although the accounts flagged in the study were not all reported via the app, over 75% were already disabled by our team before this report was noted.
“We are committed to combating the misuse of our platform by drug dealers, investing significantly in resources to achieve this goal. We employ rigorous detection methods to identify and disable these accounts, collaborate with law enforcement to prosecute dealers, and educate the community about drug risks. Our dedication to maintaining a hostile environment for drug dealers is unwavering.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
