Market watchdog ACM opens a survey of Snapchat because of the sale of Vapes to minors. That is forbidden, but is on a large scale, so that the platform may not meet EU legislation.
Youth and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority Foundation (NVWA) said earlier this summer that the ACM had to start an investigation. The organization responds to this via a request for enforcement request from the foundation.
“In the information provided by Stichting Klekpreventie Jeugd by Stichting, we see sufficient reason to start an investigation into possible violations of the Digital Service ACT rules by Snapchat,” says ACM board member Manon Leijten.
The Digital Service Act is EU legislation for all internet platforms and sets guidelines for protecting illegal content and disinformation. The market watchdog will look at whether Snapchat does enough to protect users against the sale of Vapes. If not, fines or a penalty can follow.
Especially the forbidden flavoring fabrics are wanted on the platform. Snapchat uses street language to buy it and minors can also do that. For example, by tapping ‘Shabba’ or ‘Puff’, you will soon end up at a dealer.
The sale of Vapes is officially prohibited according to the conditions of Snapchat. Earlier, the parent company Snap said that the “reasonable, proportional and effective measures” to keep sellers on the platform. But Doctors, Stichting Rook Prevention Youth and the NVWA do not think that is enough.
The ACM does not give a date for when the examination is ready. In the meantime, it does not make any statements about the case.
Market Watchdog ACM is opening An Investigation Into Snapchat for Selling Vapes to Minors. This is Prohibited, But Happens on a Large Scale, which mees that the platform may not comply with eu legislation.
The Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) Already Stated Earlier This Summer That The Acm Should Start An Investigation. The Organization is Responding to this through An Enforcement Request from the Foundation.
“In the Information Provised by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation, We see Sufficient Reason to Start An Investigation Into Possible Violations of the Digital Service Act Rules by Snapchat,” Says Acm Board Member Manon Leijten.
The Digital Service Act is EU Legislation for All Internet Platforms and Sets Guidelines for Protecting Against Illegal Content and Disinformation. The Market Watchdog Will Examine Whether Snapchat is Doing Enough to Protect Users Against the Sale of Vapes. If not, fines or a penalty payment may follow.
The Prohibited Flavored Vapes Are Specily Popular on the Platform. Street Language is Used on Snapchat to buy them, and minors can also do so. For example, by typing ‘shabba’ or ‘puff’, you quickly end up with a dealer.
The Sale of Vapes is official prohibited accordance to Snapchat’s Terms. Previously, The Parent Company Snid That It Takes “Reasonable, Proportionate and Effective Measures” To Keep Sellers Off The Platform. But Doctors, The Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation and the NVWA Do Not Think That Is Enough.
The ACM Gives No Date For When The Investigation Will Be Complete. In The Meantime, it will not make any statements about the case.