Snapchat Introduces New Transparency Measures in Compliance with EU's DSA

Snap aligns with EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) by letting users disable tracking-based content personalization, ahead of compliance deadline. DSA requires larger platforms to allow opting out of profiling-based content recommendations, enhancing user control.

The DSA also introduces transparency and accountability measures for online platforms, including VLOPs and VLOSE. This regulatory framework aims to harmonize online business responses to illegal content and goods.

In April, Snapchat was listed among platforms facing stringent DSA regulations. It's joined by Meta and TikTok in adopting similar compliance measures, as the deadline for the 19 firms approaches on August 25.

Snapchat's EU users will soon have the choice to opt out of personalization in Discover and Spotlight feeds, along with insights into AI-based content recommendations. Transparency is a key focus in DSA compliance.

Snapchat will also introduce an ads transparency library for EU-targeted ads. Users can access details about ad campaigns, fostering a more informed ad experience.

Snapchat's commitment to transparency extends to content removals with new notification and appeals processes. These will gradually roll out globally, ensuring clearer explanations for removals and providing avenues for appeal.

Snapchat's integration with the European Commission's Transparency API will offer information about enforcement decisions related to EU-based accounts or content, enhancing overall platform accountability.

Snapchat's changes extend to advertising in both the EU and the U.K., with a ban on personalized ads for users aged 13-17. The U.K.'s focus on child safety aligns with the platform's efforts to protect minors online.