A Dutch consumer foundation has filed a mass claim against Snap, the American company behind Snapchat.
Stichting Massaschade & Consument, known as SMC, accuses Snapchat of using features designed to keep people returning to the app.
The foundation wants the Amsterdam court to order Snap to disable these features by default. Users would then decide whether to activate them.
SMC is also seeking compensation ranging from €425 to €1,850 for each eligible user.
The proposed amount depends on the user’s age and how frequently they used Snapchat.
SMC specifically criticised Streaks, Snap Scores and autoplay.
A Streak continues when two users exchange snaps every day. It ends when they fail to communicate within the required period.
A Snap Score increases as someone uses the platform.
The foundation claims these features place pressure on young users and encourage them to open the app repeatedly.
More than six million people reportedly use Snapchat every month in the Netherlands. Figures cited by SMC suggest users open the app about 40 times each day.
The foundation also wants stronger protection for children.
Its demands include tighter age checks, restrictions on location tools and stronger action against accounts allegedly connected to grooming and drug dealing.
Snap rejected some of the claims.
A company spokesperson said Snapchat remained committed to providing “a safe, positive and authentic place.”
Snap said users value Streaks because they help friends stay connected. The company also said people can pause or restore their Streaks.
Snap added that location sharing on Snap Map remains disabled unless a user chooses to activate it.
This is the second Dutch collective action filed against Snapchat within three months.
Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie, known as SOMI, filed a separate case in June. It accused Snapchat of addictive design and unlawfully using personal information for targeted advertising.
A judge will decide which foundation can represent Dutch Snapchat users.
The European Commission and the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets are also examining how Snapchat protects children.
The first hearing is expected within about three months.
No court has ruled that Snapchat broke the law. The claims remain allegations.
