Snapchat may set daily time limits for teens

Snapchat boss has signalled his intention related to implementing time limits for teens.

In an interview with BBC, Evan Spiegel revealed that the firm would be willing to implement time limits for teens, following a call from Meta to take actions aimed at protecting young users.

According to Spiegel, such daily limits on the app could be a significant step forward for the industry.

“I think it is an important step forward in the industry in terms of really identifying industry norms, and I think that would be beneficial overall. We've looked really thoughtfully at the terms,” Spiegel told the BBC.

Spiegel's remarks came after Snapchat unveiled new features for its upcoming Specs glasses that could be connected to Apple iPhone and Mac devices.

The step of introducing daily time-limits on social media platforms was initially taken by Meta against the backdrop of lawsuits filed by 29 US states over the company’s addictive designs. The parent company of Facebook and Instagram reached a multi-billion dollar legal settlement with US states in which it will pay $12.7 billion and implement a two-hour daily limit for teen users across its platforms by default, in addition to muted notifications during school hours, blocks at night and other measures.

In connection with an August settlement, Meta has agreed to a $5.3 billion payout spanning 10 years and the implementation of enhanced time restrictions, conditional upon identical adoption by YouTube and TikTok. Meta maintains a complete denial of liability regarding the allegations.

Last month, Meta spokesperson also revealed that the company would be helpful that Snapchat might implement similar measures.

Although, Snapchat boss supported the implementation of the time limit, he did not reveal a definite timeline for these plans.

"That's something we've talked about internally," he said. "I don't have more to share today."

"We want to figure out how we can be part of the solution," Spiegel added.