GoKawiilSnapchat defaults Find Friends off for under-18s in UK after Ofcom pressure
Snap is rolling out a change in the UK that turns off its Find Friends feature by default for users under 18, Ofcom announced. The tool uses data like age, location and existing contacts to suggest friends, and Snap says it aims to support safe, trusted connections. Ofcom says it will monitor completion of the rollout this month and expects Snap to add stronger age-verification checks by year's end.
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Ofcom's statement signals it is prepared to use its enforcement powers, including fines up to 18 million pounds or 10 percent of global revenue, against platforms seen as slow to protect minors. The move comes amid wider regulatory scrutiny of Snap, including an EU investigation under the Digital Services Act and UK proposals to restrict social media access for under-16s, suggesting mounting pressure on social platforms to tighten youth safety features globally.
- Snapchat's Find Friends feature will default to off for UK users under 18.
- Ofcom says Snap must add 'highly effective age checks' by the end of 2025.
- Snap also faces an EU probe under the Digital Services Act over child safety practices.
Source: engadget.com — Jackson Chen, 2026-11-07
Published there as: “Snapchat's Find Friends feature will be off by default for UK users under 18”
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