
In an unusual public announcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed Thursday it has referred a complaint against Snap Inc. to the Department of Justice (DOJ), alleging that the company’s AI chatbot, My AI, poses risks and harms to young users.
Key Points:
- FTC's rare public referral stems from concerns about My AI's interactions with young users
- Case emerged from compliance reviews following Snap's 2014 FTC settlement
- Republican commissioner Ferguson, set to lead FTC under Trump, opposes the complaint
- DOJ’s involvement escalates the potential legal ramifications.
While specific details of the alleged harm were not disclosed, the FTC emphasized that making the referral public was in the interest of transparency. The complaint appears to be rooted in the FTC's ongoing compliance reviews following Snap's 2014 settlement over data collection practices. The agency indicated it found evidence suggesting Snap "is violating or is about to violate the law."
Snap's My AI chatbot, launched in 2023 and powered by OpenAI's technology, has faced previous criticism for its interactions with young users. A Washington Post investigation in 2023 revealed the chatbot provided advice about concealing alcohol and marijuana use when questioned by a reporter posing as a teenager. The feature also drew attention from UK regulators, who questioned whether Snap had adequately assessed the risks to children.
A Snap spokesperson defended the company's approach to safety, saying, "Since introducing My AI, Snap has harnessed its rigorous safety and privacy processes to create a product that is not only beneficial for our community, but is also transparent and clear about its capabilities and limitations." The company maintains the FTC's complaint "is based on inaccurations, and lacks concrete evidence."
The timing and politics of the referral add another layer of complexity to the case. The announcement comes in the final days of the current administration, with incoming FTC chair Andrew Ferguson strongly opposing the move. Ferguson, who will take over when President-elect Trump assumes office, called the closed meeting where the decision was made "farcical" and suggested the complaint raises serious First Amendment concerns.
The case highlights the growing tension between tech innovation and youth safety as AI becomes more integrated into popular social platforms. While millions of Snapchat users engage with My AI daily, regulators are increasingly focused on ensuring adequate protections for young users interacting with artificial intelligence.
The FTC's decision to publicly announce the referral - a step it rarely takes - suggests the agency views the potential risks as significant enough to warrant broader public attention. Whether the Department of Justice will proceed with the case remains to be seen, particularly given the upcoming administration change and Ferguson's vocal opposition.