Dutch regulator investigating Snapchat over vape sales to children
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an investigation into Snapchat in connection with children buying vapes on the social media platform.
The Dutch Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation had requested the investigation, accusing Snapchat of not complying with the requirements of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The foundation asked 11 kids to try and buy vapes on the platform, and they found 615 dealers.
The DSA obliges online platforms to take appropriate and proportionate measures in order to sufficiently safeguard the safety of children. The ACM will now investigate whether Snapchat is complying with that obligation.
“Having a safe online environment for minors is extremely important. That is why online platforms such as Snapchat must take measures in order to prevent illegal products from being sold on their services,” ACM board member Manon Leijten said. “On the basis of the information submitted by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation, we see sufficient reason for launching an investigation into possible violations of the DSA rules by Snapchat.”
The ACM will not make further announcements while the investigation is ongoing. The regulator couldn’t say how long the investigation will take. If Snapchat is found to be in violation of the DSA, the Dutch regulator can impose fines, binding instructions, or periodic penalty payments on the platform.
The ACM is “in close contact” with the European Commission during this investigation. Snapchat is designated as a “Very Large Online Platform” (VLOP), which means that it falls directly under the European Commission’s jurisdiction, the ACM said.
