With a focus on fostering a safe and positive in-app experience, Snapchat has introduced a suite of safety features designed to strengthen and reinforce authentic friend relationships.

These new features aim to further safeguard teens and the broader community from online liabilities.

The new features are:

1. Blocking improvements: The platform has long offered tools for Snapchatters to easily block someone if they no longer wish to be in touch with them. Sometimes, bad actors create new accounts and continue to contact people who have blocked them. To prevent bullying and potential repeat harassment, we’re introducing improvements to our blocking tools: blocking a user will also now block new friend requests sent from other accounts created on the same device, to further limit outreach from other existing or new accounts created by the blocked account.

2. Simplified location-sharing and additional reminders: Snapchatters – including teens – are sent regular reminders to check their account security and privacy settings, and Snapchatters can only share their location with people they are friends with. Now we’re introducing more frequent reminders to make sure that Snapchatters are always up to date on which friends they’re sharing their location with on the Snap Map. We’re also introducing simplified location-sharing, making it faster and easier for Snapchatters to customise which of their friends can see their location. 

3. Enhanced friending protections: Previously Snapchat had announced that teens will not be suggested in 'Quick Add' or 'Search' unless they have multiple mutual connections in common with the other person. The platform is now adding new friending safeguards that make it much harder for strangers to find and add teens. They will prevent delivery of a friend request altogether when teens send or receive a friend request from someone they don't have mutual friends with, and that person also has a history of accessing Snapchat in locations often associated with any scamming activity. This applies regardless of whether the friend request was sent out by the teen, or sent to the teen from the suspected bad actor. This feature is currently available in a select few countries and will be introduced in a more localised form in India soon.

4. Expanded in-app warnings: Snapchat introduced a pop-up warning when a teen receives a message from someone they don’t already share mutual friends with or have in their contacts. The message informs teens of potential risk so they can carefully consider if they want to be in contact, and reminds them to only connect with people they trust. Now the platform is expanding these in-app warnings to incorporate new and advanced signals. Teens will now see a warning message if they receive a chat from someone who has been blocked or reported by others, or is from a region where the teen’s network isn't typically located – signs that the person may be a scammer. This feature will be made available in the US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, Nordics, and parts of Europe. 

These new tools intend to build on the platform's ongoing commitment to help Snapchatters communicate with their close friends in an environment that prioritises their safety, privacy, and well-being.

Uthara Ganesh, head of public policy-South Asia, Snap Inc., said, "Snapchat has always been a unique space where you can truly be yourself and connect with your real friends. Young people across India love spending time on our platform, and we are dedicated to making it a safe and positive place for everyone, especially teens. Our newest safety features are all about supporting genuine friendships, empowering teens to make smart choices, and ensuring that every Snapchatter feels secure and confident while using our app."