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Snapchat Could Cap Teen Screen Time, CEO Evan Spiegel Says

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Snap Inc boss Evan Spiegel told the BBC the company would be "willing to implement" default time limits for teenage users, after pressure from Meta.

Snap Inc, the company behind Snapchat, would be "willing to implement" limits on how much time teenagers spend on the app, chief executive Evan Spiegel has said. Speaking to the BBC at the firm's California headquarters, Spiegel said a maximum daily allowance for young users could be "an important step forward for the industry."

His remarks followed a public call from Meta for rival platforms to adopt the same changes the Facebook and Instagram owner agreed to in a recent legal settlement with US states. Spiegel did not set a date for any action, saying the idea had been discussed inside the company but that he had nothing further to announce.

Asked specifically about a default time limit for teenage users, Spiegel replied: "I think that's a really good example of something that we'd be willing to implement." He added: "That's something we've talked about internally. I don't have more to share today."

Spiegel framed the move as a way of setting shared standards. "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 told the BBC. "We've looked really thoughtfully at the terms." He said Snap wanted "to figure out how we can be part of the solution."

Meta's $12.7bn settlement

The pressure on Snap stems from a settlement Meta reached with attorneys general for most US states. Those officials alleged the company deliberately built its apps to be addictive to young people. Under the deal, Meta agreed to pay $12.7bn and to introduce a two-hour daily limit for teenage users by default across its platforms. The package also includes muted notifications during school hours and blocks at night.

Meta has denied any wrongdoing. The payment will be spread over a 10-year period. As part of the August agreement, the company said it would bring in even tighter time limits and pay a further $5.3bn if YouTube and TikTok adopt the same measures.

Meta has been urging competitors to follow its lead. Last month a company spokesperson said it hoped Snap would make similar changes to its platform. When the BBC asked other firms whether they would act, Google, which owns YouTube, said it had no comment. TikTok did not respond to the request.

All four companies - Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap - have faced a wave of lawsuits claiming their apps have contributed to a mental health crisis among young people. Snap has separately been accused of enabling illegal drug sales.

Spiegel pointed to existing controls on Snapchat as evidence the company is already acting. He noted its Family Center feature, which lets parents monitor aspects of how their teenagers use the app.

New Specs glasses at $2,195

Spiegel spoke to the BBC as Snap unveiled a range of new features for its forthcoming Specs smart glasses, which the company said would be able to connect to Apple iPhone and Mac devices.

He said the eyewear would use artificial intelligence to suggest activities based on what it learns about a wearer'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," he said.

Like other smart glasses, Specs will overlay digital elements onto the real world using AI. The technology will carry a high price, retailing at $2,195 in the United States and £1,995 in the United Kingdom.

Snapchat, Evan Spiegel, Snap Inc, teen time limits, Meta settlement, youth mental health, Snap Specs glasses, social media regulation

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