Arkansas attorney general sues social platforms, alleging designs that put children at risk

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has filed legal action against the parent company of Snapchat and separately against Roblox and Discord, alleging those platforms use features that keep minors engaged while failing to protect them from predators and harmful content.

Griffin's complaint, as described on air, singles out features such as Snapchat streaks and disappearing messages and alleges those design choices contribute to anxiety, depression and exposure to online predators and sextortion schemes. A representative for the state's private counsel, Alexandra Walsh of Anapol Wise, urged parents to be cautious, saying, "That's a decision each parent has to make for themselves."

"They have had every opportunity to change it, to stop it, to do something about it," Griffin said on the record, according to the broadcast's report, accusing the companies of prioritizing profit over child safety.

The complaint alleges the companies marketed their products as safe for minors while failing to provide adequate safeguards and warnings. The station reported that Roblox and Discord were specifically accused of creating environments where children can encounter predators and explicit material.

A company statement attributed to Roblox said it has launched an age-based account option and is "constantly strengthening" user protections. The broadcast noted the state is seeking accountability through the courts; the suits represent a civil effort to change platform practices and seek remedies the attorney general believes are necessary to protect children.

The litigation is likely to proceed through filings in state court; the broadcast did not provide details on the precise claims, requested remedies, or filing locations. The state's announcement follows other recent legal actions targeting big tech products aimed at minors.

Court filings and company responses should clarify the specific legal theories and requested relief. The lawsuits are active legal matters; further developments and official filings should provide more detailed allegations and any proposed remedies.