Disputes about these terms are governed by California law for US users, and Snap has set up separate legal entities for users in different regions, such as Europe.
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 choice of California law benefits Snap operationally but means US users outside California are subject to a jurisdiction that may differ from their home state's consumer protections.
Interpretive note: EU/EEA mandatory consumer protection rules may override the contractual choice of English and Welsh law in certain consumer disputes under Rome I Regulation Article 6.
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 →New provision establishing California governing law as default with region-specific exceptions, clarifying jurisdictional rules not explicitly stated in the previous version.
View full change record →US users are subject to California law for any disputes with Snap, regardless of where they live, which may limit the applicability of their home state's consumer protection laws.
How other platforms handle this
In the EU and EEA, the choice of Texas governing law shall not apply only where a mandatory consumer protection law explicitly prohibits such choice of law provisions.
For any claims that are not subject to arbitration...U.S. Residents: Delaware law; venue exclusively in the state or federal courts in New Castle County, Delaware
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California and the United States without regard to conflicts of laws provisions
"These Terms will be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. For users outside the United States, the applicable Snap entity and governing law may differ based on your region.Excerpt from Snapchat's Terms of Service
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Choice of law clauses are generally enforceable in commercial contracts but may be subject to public policy exceptions in consumer contexts.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
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The choice of California law benefits Snap operationally but means US users outside California are subject to a jurisdiction that may differ from their home state's consumer protections.
US users are subject to California law for any disputes with Snap, regardless of where they live, which may limit the applicability of their home state's consumer protection laws.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 266 platforms. See the full comparison.
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