08:09 AM EDT, 03/26/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Snap (SNAP) is under investigation by the European Commission for allegations of failing to protect the safety and privacy of children using the platform, the regulator said Thursday.

The European Commission said the company may have violated the bloc's Digital Services Act "by exposing minors to grooming attempts and recruitment for criminal purposes, as well as to information about the sale of illegal goods, like drugs, or age-restricted products, such as vapes and alcohol."

The investigation will focus on whether Snapchat verifies the age of users, guards against the grooming and recruitment of minors, adequately protects minors from contact with those with harmful intent, has inadequate default account settings, prevents the dissemination of information on the sale of prohibited products, and fails to put in place mechanisms to notify users of illegal content, the regulator said.

The commission said it also suspects that the company failed to inform users about possibilities for redress and complaints.

The company said in a statement to MT Newswires that "the safety and wellbeing of all Snapchatters is a top priority."

"Our teams have worked for years to raise the bar on safety," the company said, adding that it provides "additional protections for teens."