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Dutch probe Snapchat over alleged failure to tackle vape sellers

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 9, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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Dutch probe Snapchat over alleged failure to tackle vape sellers
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AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch consumer rights watchdog ACM said on Tuesday it had opened an investigation into social media platform Snapchat, over possible failures to protect minors from illegal

Dutch Authority Investigates Snapchat for Failing to Protect Minors

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch consumer rights watchdog ACM said on Tuesday it had opened an investigation into social media platform Snapchat, over possible failures to protect minors from illegal sellers of vapes.

Snapchat's owner Snap Inc did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The ACM said it had indications that Snapchat was not doing enough to prevent its platform being used to sell vapes to people under 18.

That would be in breach of the European Union's Digital Services Act, which requires a platform like Snapchat to offer adequate protection to minor users.

"A safe online environment is very important for minors. Platforms need to take measures to prevent illegal products being sold through them," the ACM said.

"We see enough indications of possible DSA breaches by Snapchat to open an investigation."

The consumer watchdog said it was working in close collaboration with the European Commission. It would not comment further on the investigation and did not give a timeline for it.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Alex Richardson)

Key Takeaways

  • Dutch ACM investigates Snapchat over vape sales to minors.
  • Snapchat may have breached EU's Digital Services Act.
  • ACM collaborates with the European Commission on the probe.
  • Snap Inc has not commented on the investigation.
  • No timeline provided for the investigation's conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for the ACM's investigation into Snapchat?
The ACM opened an investigation due to indications that Snapchat was not adequately preventing the sale of vapes to users under 18, which would breach the EU's Digital Services Act.
What does the Digital Services Act require from platforms like Snapchat?
The Digital Services Act requires platforms to provide adequate protection to minor users and prevent illegal products from being sold through them.
Is there a timeline for the investigation by the ACM?
The ACM has not provided a timeline for the investigation and has stated that it will not comment further on the matter.
Who is collaborating with the ACM on this investigation?
The ACM is working in close collaboration with the European Commission regarding the investigation into Snapchat.
What did the ACM say about the importance of online safety for minors?
The ACM emphasized that a safe online environment is crucial for minors and that platforms must take measures to prevent the sale of illegal products.

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