Snapchat's CEO, Evan Spiegel, recently told the BBC that the company is open to introducing daily time limits for teen users, following pressure from Meta. This comes as part of a broader industry push to address concerns about social media's impact on young users. Spiegel described such limits as "an important step forward for the industry," though he did not specify when the feature might be implemented. The comments were made alongside the announcement of new features for Snapchat's upcoming Specs glasses, which will integrate with Apple iPhone and Mac devices.
Meta has been pushing other social media companies to adopt similar changes as part of a recent legal settlement with U.S. states. Under the agreement, Meta must enforce a two-hour daily limit for teen users on its platforms, along with other restrictions like muting notifications during school hours and blocking access at night. The company also agreed to pay $12.7 billion as part of the deal, with an additional $5.3 billion if YouTube and TikTok comply with similar rules.
Snap has faced its own legal challenges, including allegations that its apps have contributed to a youth mental health crisis and accusations that they facilitate illegal drug sales. When asked about default time limits, Spiegel said, "I think that's a really good example of something that we'd be willing to implement." However, no timeline was given for any potential changes. Currently, Snap provides tools through its Family Center feature, allowing parents to monitor their teens' app usage. Spiegel emphasized that the company wants to be "part of the solution" to these issues.
Snap's new Specs glasses will use artificial intelligence to suggest activities based on users' goals, relationships, and routines. Priced at $2,195 in the U.S. and £1,995 in the UK, the glasses are targeted at early adopters, developers, and enterprises. The product aims to create a new category of wearable technology that combines the immersive experience of virtual reality with a lightweight, wearable design. Unlike Meta's smart glasses, Snap's Specs will not use facial recognition to identify people. A white light will flash when recording video or taking a photo, ensuring users are aware of when they are being recorded.
Snapchat Considers Daily Time Limits for Teens Amid Industry Pressure
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