Florida Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Snapchat Over Violations of State Law

In a critical step to protect minors online, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., the operator of Snapchat, for blatantly disregarding the state’s landmark HB 3 legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024. This lawsuit, filed on April 22, 2025, highlights Snapchat’s ongoing failure to comply with HB 3, a key measure aimed at safeguarding minors from the dangers of addictive social media features, explicit content, and online predators.

Known as the Online Protections for Minors Act, HB 3 mandates that social media platforms take extensive actions to shield minors from harmful digital experiences. Under the law, platforms like Snapchat are required to prohibit minors under the age of 14 from creating accounts and to obtain parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. Additionally, the law targets addictive platform features, such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and auto-play videos, which are designed to keep users engaged and often encourage compulsive use.

Despite these clear mandates, Snap continues to market its platform to minors and allows harmful behaviors to persist. The lawsuit claims that Snapchat’s use of addictive features, like SnapStreaks and auto-play, exposes children to online risks, including pornography, drug sales, and contact with sexual predators. Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting children, stating, “We are not going to let social media companies cash in on our kids and endanger them. We are going to stand in the way, and this is just the beginning.”

The lawsuit stems from the violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, as well as the failure to adhere to HB 3. This legislation, led by former Speaker of the House Paul Renner, is a direct response to the growing concern over the impact of social media on young users. Renner’s push for legislative protections for young people from the dangers of technology was a driving force behind the law’s creation. Florida authorities are now working to ensure that platforms like Snapchat take immediate corrective action to prevent minors from being exposed to online harm.

As the case moves through the courts, Florida is sending a strong message to tech companies: non-compliance with the law will not be tolerated. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a crucial precedent for how the state enforces protections for minors online, ensuring that social media platforms prioritize the safety of children. Florida’s commitment to defending families and holding companies accountable is clear, and this legal action marks just the beginning of a broader effort to protect young users in the digital age.