Snapchat Expands Safety Measures as Teen Awareness of Online Exploitation Risks Grows

Snapchat has provided an update on its ongoing efforts to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) through its participation in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Know2Protect” program. This initiative, launched in April 2024, aims to raise awareness among young people about the risks of online sexual exploitation and abuse and to provide resources to help them report and take action on such incidents.

Snapchat, as a founding member of the program, has worked over the past year to implement features that increase awareness and offer assistance to users facing online dangers.

Snapchat Research Reveals Teen Online Risks While Awareness of Safety Campaign Increases Steadily

Snapchat recently conducted a study to assess the impact of its efforts in promoting online safety. The research, which involved polls among Snapchat users, revealed concerning statistics about online behaviors among teens. Notably, 24% of teens reported having shared intimate imagery, and 33% said they had been groomed online, though this showed a slight reduction in incidence.

The study also highlighted that 35% of participants had been catfished, a slight decrease compared to the previous year. Despite these improvements, a significant portion of teens remains at risk, with 50% of those who shared intimate imagery admitting to losing control over the material once it was released.

Despite the alarming statistics, Snap reported that awareness of the Know2Protect program is on the rise. The survey found that 28% of teens had heard of the campaign, a 17-point increase since October 2024. Additionally, nearly half of those familiar with the campaign could recall its key elements, showing a significant improvement in knowledge about the initiative. This suggests that the program is beginning to make an impact in raising awareness among young people about the dangers of online interactions and the resources available to help protect them.

Strengthening Protection as Snap Enhances Safety Features to Combat CSEA and Online Risks

In addition to its participation in the Know2Protect program, Snapchat has strengthened its own protective measures. The platform now uses tools like PhotoDNA, integrated with Google’s CSAI Match, to detect and remove illegal images and videos. Snapchat has also increased in-app warnings to alert teens about potentially suspicious friend requests. The company continues to enhance its Family Center suite, which provides parental controls to help monitor and protect younger users. These efforts are part of Snap’s ongoing commitment to improving safety on the platform.

While the data surrounding CSEA awareness and online safety is troubling, there are signs of gradual progress. The numbers show that Snap’s efforts to raise awareness and provide protective features are beginning to take effect, though much work remains to be done.

The increasing sophistication of AI-generated deepfakes and the constant evolution of online threats will continue to challenge Snap and other platforms. However, the company’s focus on improving detection, enforcement, and educational resources for its younger audience remains a critical area of attention as it works to create a safer online environment.