Editor’s Note: State-level legal actions against Roku and Snap Inc. are intensifying the national spotlight on how technology companies handle children’s data and digital engagement. These cases, brought forth by attorneys general in Michigan and Florida, underscore an urgent regulatory reckoning for platforms whose services reach millions of younger users. For professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery, these lawsuits represent more than legal flashpoints—they are harbingers of evolving compliance expectations, operational risk, and increased scrutiny around user data ethics. As courts assess the balance between platform functionality and privacy law, the outcomes could shape the digital compliance landscape for years to come.


Content Assessment: Legal Battles and Data Privacy: Roku and Snap Inc. Under Scrutiny

Information - 92%
Insight - 90%
Relevance - 90%
Objectivity - 91%
Authority - 92%

91%

Excellent

A short percentage-based assessment of the qualitative benefit expressed as a percentage of positive reception of the recent article from ComplexDiscovery OÜ titled, "Legal Battles and Data Privacy: Roku and Snap Inc. Under Scrutiny."


Industry News – Data Privacy and Proection Beat

Legal Battles and Data Privacy: Roku and Snap Inc. Under Scrutiny

ComplexDiscovery Staff

In recent developments, both Roku and Snap Inc. have found themselves embroiled in legal battles concerning data privacy and user protection, drawing significant scrutiny from state authorities. This attention underscores the growing concerns over the handling of personal information, particularly that of minors, by major technology companies.

The Roku Controversy

Roku has been accused by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel of violating both federal and state privacy laws by collecting children’s personal information without the necessary parental consent. This legal contention, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, focuses on allegations that Roku has disregarded the provisions set forth in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.

Attorney General Nessel asserted that the lawsuit is a response to Roku’s “blatant violation” of privacy laws, which allegedly exposes Michigan’s children to invasive data collection practices. The Michigan AG’s office outlined that Roku does not allow parents the ability to create distinct profiles for children, thereby subjecting them to adult-level data collection processes. The lawsuit claims that Roku’s practices include collecting and disclosing sensitive data such as location, voice recordings, and IP addresses, in addition to persistent identifiers that monitor children’s browsing habits across the internet. The attorney general emphasized the need to hold companies accountable for jeopardizing children’s information security.

In rebuttal, Roku has labeled these claims as “inaccurate,” affirming its commitment to protecting user privacy and compliance with existing legal frameworks. Roku contends that its infrastructure does not exploit or disclose children’s personal data unlawfully, aiming to challenge these allegations vigorously in court. As detailed in Roku’s statement, “Roku respects and values the privacy of our users. We do not use or disclose children’s personal information for targeted advertising or any other purpose prohibited by law.”

Florida’s Challenge Against Snap Inc.

In a parallel scenario, Snap Inc., the operator of Snapchat, faces litigation initiated by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. This lawsuit, filed in Florida’s Santa Rosa County state court, accuses Snap of deploying application features that promote addiction in younger users, violating a state law aimed at safeguarding children’s mental health against compulsive social media exposure. These features, specifically infinite scrolling and push notifications, have been criticized for their potential to hook users into prolonged engagement, analogous to tactics allegedly used in addictive behavior frameworks.

Florida law HB 3 prohibits social media platforms from providing accounts to users aged 13 and younger and requires explicit parental consent for those aged 14 and 15. The complaint highlights Snap’s purported negligence in restricting accounts for minors and accuses the company of facilitating access to offensive content, which could include interactions with inappropriate or harmful actors. Uthmeier stated that Snapchat’s operations are “actively deceiving Florida parents about the risks of allowing their teens to access this platform,” citing the platform’s potential for misuse.

Snap Inc. has contested Florida’s legislation, positing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights while failing to address age verification adequately. In a statement to The Hill, Snap described the law as inadequate for safeguarding children’s interests in a privacy-conscious manner. The company insists on the need for systemic changes at the operating system or app store level to manage online safety effectively. Currently, the law’s constitutionality is challenged in federal court by industry groups like NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, with Snap supporting this judicial review.

Broader Implications and Future Directions

These cases involving Roku and Snap Inc. are emblematic of larger regulatory challenges confronting technology firms in the realm of data privacy and consumer protection. They highlight a tension between innovative platform features and regulatory compliance, which ensures the safety of younger users online. As these proceedings unfold, they may set a precedent for how digital platforms operate within legal constraints, reflecting broader shifts toward stricter oversight of digital environments.

News Sources


Assisted by GAI and LLM Technologies

Additional Reading

Source: ComplexDiscovery OÜ

 

Have a Request?

If you have information or offering requests that you would like to ask us about, please let us know, and we will make our response to you a priority.

ComplexDiscovery OÜ is a highly recognized digital publication focused on providing detailed insights into the fields of cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery. Based in Estonia, a hub for digital innovation, ComplexDiscovery OÜ upholds rigorous standards in journalistic integrity, delivering nuanced analyses of global trends, technology advancements, and the eDiscovery sector. The publication expertly connects intricate legal technology issues with the broader narrative of international business and current events, offering its readership invaluable insights for informed decision-making.

For the latest in law, technology, and business, visit ComplexDiscovery.com.

 

Generative Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Model Use

ComplexDiscovery OÜ recognizes the value of GAI and LLM tools in streamlining content creation processes and enhancing the overall quality of its research, writing, and editing efforts. To this end, ComplexDiscovery OÜ regularly employs GAI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E2, Grammarly, Midjourney, and Perplexity, to assist, augment, and accelerate the development and publication of both new and revised content in posts and pages published (initiated in late 2022).

ComplexDiscovery also provides a ChatGPT-powered AI article assistant for its users. This feature leverages LLM capabilities to generate relevant and valuable insights related to specific page and post content published on ComplexDiscovery.com. By offering this AI-driven service, ComplexDiscovery OÜ aims to create a more interactive and engaging experience for its users, while highlighting the importance of responsible and ethical use of GAI and LLM technologies.