Snapchat's ephemeral messaging architecture — messages that "disappear" — is uniquely exploited by predators and drug dealers targeting minors. CSEA track: the disappearing content feature creates false security, facilitating sextortion (predators demand more content or threaten to share existing images) and grooming. Fentanyl track: drug dealers use Snapchat to market and sell counterfeit pills to teenagers; multiple wrongful death cases from fentanyl overdose after drug purchases arranged via Snap. Both tracks proceed in MDL 3122.
CSEA track: Negligent design of ephemeral messaging that facilitates sextortion; failure to implement adequate reporting and monitoring; TVPA § 1595 claims. Fentanyl track: negligent failure to detect and prevent drug dealing on platform despite actual knowledge; wrongful death claims. Snap's internal documents showing knowledge of both harm tracks are key discovery targets.
Snap faces two distinct harm tracks: (1) CSEA/sextortion — Snapchat's ephemeral messaging and direct photo/video features are used by predators to solicit and distribute CSAM, with "disappearing" content creating a false sense of safety for victims; (2) Fentanyl distribution — drug dealers use Snapchat to sell counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl to minors, with several overdose death cases filed. Both tracks proceed in MDL 3122 alongside the broader social media youth harm litigation.