Snapchat Open to Time Limits for Teens, Snap Inc CEO Tells BBC
The boss of Snapchat-parent Snap Inc has stated that the company is open to implementing time limits for teens, following Meta's call for action.
Evan Spiegel revealed this in an interview at Snap's California headquarters, emphasizing that setting a maximum time young users can spend on the app could be a significant step forward for the industry.
His comments come as Snap unveiled new features for its upcoming Specs glasses, which can connect to Apple iPhones and Macs.
Meta's Pressure and the Legal Settlement
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has been advocating for other social media platforms, including Snapchat, to adopt similar changes as part of a recent multi-billion-dollar legal settlement with US states.
In the settlement, Meta agreed to a two-hour daily limit for teen users across its platforms by default, along with muted notifications during school hours, blocks at night, and other measures. They also agreed to pay $12.7 billion and an additional $5.3 billion if YouTube and TikTok follow suit.
Snap's Response
Spiegel acknowledged the importance of these changes, stating, "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." He added that Snap has been considering these terms thoughtfully.
When asked about a default time limit, Spiegel expressed willingness to implement it, saying, "I think that's a really good example of something that that we'd be willing to implement." However, he did not provide a timeline for such action.
Snap already offers parental tracking tools through its Family Center feature, which allows parents to monitor their teens' Snapchat usage.
Snap's Smart Glasses
As the interview progressed, Spiegel discussed Snap's upcoming Specs glasses, powered by artificial intelligence. These smart glasses will suggest activities based on the user's goals, relationships, and routines.
"Rather than the way that people use chatbots today where you constantly have to ask for stuff, Specs can understand what's important to you, and then offer recommendations or offer next steps," Spiegel explained.