ACM launces DSA investigation into Snapchat in connection with illegal sale of vaping products to minors
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary:

ACM launches an investigation into online platform Snapchat in connection with the sale of vaping products to minors on the platform.
This investigation has been prompted by a request for enforcement that was filed by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation (in Dutch: Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd), because Snapchat may be violating the rules laid down in the Digital Services Act (DSA).
During the investigation, ACM cannot give any further comments on the case.


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                

  
    
            

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) launches an investigation into online platform Snapchat in connection with the sale of vaping products to minors. This investigation has been prompted by a request for enforcement that was filed with ACM in late August by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation (in Dutch: Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd). This foundation believes that Snapchat fails to comply with the requirements laid down in the Digital Services Act (DSA).


Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, explains: “Having a safe online environment for minors is extremely important. That is why online platforms such as Snapchat must take measures in order to prevent illegal products from being sold on their services. On the basis of the information submitted by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation, we see sufficient reason for launching an investigation into possible violations of the DSA rules by Snapchat.”


These possible violations concern Snapchat’s policy regarding the protection of minors. According to the DSA, platforms must put in place appropriate and proportionate measures in order to sufficiently safeguard the safety of minors. ACM will now investigate whether Snapchat does exactly that. In its investigation, ACM is in close contact with the European Commission, since Snapchat is a so-called ‘Very Large Online Platform’ (VLOP), which means that it falls directly under the European Commission’s jurisdiction.
Course of the investigation


During the investigation, ACM does not comment on the case. It is unclear at the moment how long the investigation will take. This will depend on the course of the investigation, among other factors. If the investigation reveals that Snapchat does not comply with the DSA rules, ACM can take enforcement action, for example in the form of binding instructions, fines, or orders subject to periodic penalty payments.
About the DSA


The DSA is a European regulation that came into force in early 2024. The DSA does not stipulate what online content (information, products) is legal or illegal. Legality or illegality is determined by other laws such as criminal law, privacy laws, or consumer laws. For example, the online sale of vaping products is illegal in the Netherlands (in Dutch) under the Tobacco and Smoking Products Act (in Dutch: Tabaks- en rookwarenwet). Enforcement of that law is carried out by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).


What the DSA does stipulate though, is, for example, how online platforms must handle reports about illegal content. For example, 
it must be easy to file reports, and platforms must respond quickly, and must properly explain what they will do with those reports. In addition, online platforms that are accessible by minors must put in place measures for protecting minors against illegal and/or harmful content on their services. As enforcer of the DSA, ACM does not rule on the legality or illegality of content, but it does assess whether platforms have their processes in order, and whether the measures they have put in place for protecting minors are effective.

      

    
          
                                          
                                  
                                      See also
                      
    

26-08-2025  Many users are unfamiliar with their rights on online platforms, ACM launches awareness campaign15-07-2025  ACM reminds businesses of new European regulations regarding the online protection of minors | ACM (in Dutch)
            
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                09-09-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                      
              Spokesperson
              
                                    Tjitte Mastenbroek

                              
            
          
                                

          
                      

                                    
                Keywords
                  Online retailers,
  Internet security,
  Internet,
  Digital economy,
  Online consumers

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Consumer protection,
  Digital economy

ACM Investigates Snapchat for Selling Vaping Products to Minors

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an investigation into the online platform Snapchat regarding the sale of vaping products to minors. This action follows a request for enforcement from the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation, which claims that Snapchat may not be adhering to the Digital Services Act (DSA).

 ACM Board Member Manon Leijten emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe online environment for minors, stating that platforms like Snapchat must implement measures to prevent the sale of illegal products. The investigation will assess whether Snapchat's policies adequately protect minors as required by the DSA.

 As Snapchat is classified as a 'Very Large Online Platform' (VLOP), ACM is coordinating closely with the European Commission during this investigation. The duration of the investigation remains uncertain and will depend on various factors.

 If violations of the DSA are confirmed, ACM has the authority to impose enforcement actions, which may include binding instructions, fines, or periodic penalty payments. The DSA, effective from early 2024, outlines the responsibilities of online platforms in managing illegal content and protecting minors.



ACM Investigates Snapchat for Selling Vaping Products to Minors

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, has initiated an investigation into Snapchat for potentially violating the Digital Services Act by allowing the sale of vaping products to minors.