YouTube and Snapchat Face Senate Hearing on Age Ratings

Social Media App Ratings Under Scrutiny

Legislators have questioned YouTube and Snapchat regarding the appropriateness of their app store ratings, considering the content hosted on their platforms. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) spearheaded inquiries focused on content potentially unsuitable for younger teenage users.

Both companies faced requests to clarify discrepancies in age ratings across different app stores. For instance, the YouTube application receives a “Teen” rating (ages 13+) on the Google Play Store, yet is designated “17+” on Apple’s App Store.

Differing Responses from Company Representatives

Leslie Miller, YouTube’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, admitted she was unaware of these rating differences when questioned.

Similarly, Jennifer Stout, Snapchat’s Vice President of Global Public Policy, expressed uncertainty regarding the inconsistency in ratings.

Snapchat is rated 12+ on the Apple App Store, but “Teen” (13+) on Google Play. Stout attributed this to Snapchat’s content being considered “appropriate for an age group of 13 and above.”

These inconsistencies pose challenges for parents attempting to determine app suitability for their children, based on individual household rules. Ultimately, app rating policies vary between platforms.

Concerns Over Inappropriate Content

Senator Lee detailed a test conducted by his staff, creating a Snapchat account for a 15-year-old user without specifying content preferences. The Discover page immediately presented content deemed highly inappropriate for a child.

This included recommendations for sexualized online games targeting adults, advice on solo bar visits, games rated for ages 17+, and articles concerning adult film performers.

Lee questioned how Snap justifies this content as suitable for younger teens, given the app’s rating.

Snapchat’s Explanation and Response

Stout explained that Snapchat’s Discover section features content from publishers selected by the company. She stated that this content is “designed to appear on Discover and resonate with an audience that is 13 and above.”

She expressed surprise at the inappropriate content described by the senator, emphasizing that Snapchat’s guidelines require age-gating for sexually explicit video games.

Stout also noted that Snap’s publisher guidelines mandate accuracy and fact-checking.

Focus on Content Appropriateness

Lee countered that accuracy isn’t the primary concern, but rather the appropriateness of the content for users aged 13 and up, as certified by the app’s rating.

The senator’s inquiries echo ongoing parental concerns regarding teen social media use, particularly regarding Snapchat’s ephemeral nature and potential for inappropriate sharing.

Past Actions and Current Issues

Snapchat previously addressed concerns about risqué content on Discover, implementing updated publisher guidelines prior to its IPO. However, user reviews continue to describe the section as filled with “cringe-worthy content,” “nonsense,” and sensationalized material.

A 2021 Vox report highlighted the prevalence of clickbait, reality TV news, and influencer content, alongside reputable news sources.

Regulation and Oversight

While Snap retains the right to curate content, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of its curation and age-gating practices for younger users. The debate centers on whether greater regulatory oversight is needed.

Lee inquired about Snap’s oversight procedures for Discover content. Stout responded that both human and automated review processes are employed, and offered to investigate the specific content encountered by the senator’s staff.

Stout maintained that no illegal or harmful content is present on the platform, a claim likely disputed by parents who believe age-inappropriate material can be detrimental.

Concluding Remarks

“These app ratings are inappropriate,” Lee concluded, asserting that content on both Snapchat and YouTube is unsuitable for children aged 12 or 13 and up.

Additional Inquiries

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questioned Snap regarding advertisers’ awareness of the content surrounding their advertisements in Snapchat Discover.

Stout affirmed that advertisers are fully informed.

TikTok was not directly questioned on content or age ratings, but later stated that content for younger users is curated with Common Sense Networks to ensure an “age-appropriate experience.”