Snap prohibits use of the Services by persons under age 13, or the higher applicable minimum age in the user's jurisdiction, and states it will delete the account and data of any user it identifies as being below that age threshold.
This analysis describes what Snapchat's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The agreement establishes an age-gating requirement consistent with COPPA's minimum age threshold of 13, and commits to account and data deletion upon actual knowledge of underage use. The 'actual knowledge' standard rather than a verification-based standard is the operative trigger for this obligation.
The updated terms state that Snapchat may now require age verification before you use the Services, expanding on prior language that only referenced minimum age requirements. The terms also revise content moderation procedures, stating that Snap's decision to restrict, suspend, or terminate accounts is made in its sole discretion, though expanded appeal and complaint procedures are now described in more detail through the Snapchat Moderation, Enforcement, and Appeals Explainer and Support Site. The terms also add references to jurisdiction-specific online platform safety laws and direct users to the Transparency Hub for information on how Snap complies with those laws where applicable. You can review appeal options and compliance procedures through the resources linked in the Terms, and you may be able to challenge account restrictions if you believe they violate applicable law in your jurisdiction.
View change record →Under this clause, users under age 13, or the applicable higher minimum age in their jurisdiction, are not permitted to use the Services, and the agreement states Snap will delete the account and associated data of any user identified as below that threshold upon obtaining actual knowledge.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Age Restriction and Minor Account Deletion and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and you must confirm that you are 13 years or older to create an account and use the Services. If we have actual knowledge that you are under the age of 13 (or the minimum age at which a person may use the Services in your state, province, or country without parental consent, if greater), we will cease providing the Services to you and delete your account and your data.Excerpt from Snapchat's Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages COPPA, which prohibits online collection of personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, enforced by the FTC.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
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The agreement establishes an age-gating requirement consistent with COPPA's minimum age threshold of 13, and commits to account and data deletion upon actual knowledge of underage use. The 'actual knowledge' standard rather than a verification-based standard is the operative trigger for this obligation.
Under this clause, users under age 13, or the applicable higher minimum age in their jurisdiction, are not permitted to use the Services, and the agreement states Snap will delete the account and associated data of any user identified as below that threshold upon obtaining actual knowledge.
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