Snap Inc., the developer of the popular social media application Snapchat, announced on Thursday that it will implement new in-app warnings and safety measures on a global scale aimed at protecting users aged 13 to 17 from online threats.
These enhancements are designed to promote safer communication and searches while ensuring that teenage users are directed to age-appropriate content.
In addition, the company will introduce a new “Strike System” to address inappropriate accounts, along with increased educational initiatives centered on common online risks, according to a statement released by Snap.
Data from Statista indicates that India is home to the largest population of Snapchat users, with a significant number of them belonging to Generation Z or millennials born after 1996.
The in-app warning feature will notify teens with a pop-up if someone attempts to add them as a friend without mutual contacts or if the individual is not in their contact list.
Under the new Strike System, accounts that promote content unsuitable for minors will be removed if detected by Snap’s internal monitoring or reported by users. Repeat offenders attempting to evade restrictions will face bans.
Furthermore, Snap plans to introduce in-app resources created in collaboration with Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), focusing on critical issues such as mental health, responsible sharing, and online safety.
According to Uthara Ganesh, Snap’s Head of Public Policy for South Asia, “Our latest features are thoughtfully designed to empower teens to make informed decisions and engage in open conversations about online safety. We are dedicated to ensuring that Snapchat remains a creative space while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community in India, which encompasses over 200 million users.”
