Snapchat disables Find Friends to reduce grooming risks in Britain
Technology
Snapchat is turning off its "Find Friends" feature by default for child users in Britain.
This step is meant to make it harder for strangers to contact children and reduce online grooming risks, a promise Snapchat made in May 2026.
Ofcom welcomes Snapchat safety change
Even though Snapchat's official age limit is 13, 32% of British kids aged 8-12 are using it.
A 2025 analysis found that 40% of recorded offenses involving sexual communication with a child where the platform was identified happened on Snapchat.
Ofcom, the U.K.'s online safety regulator, welcomed the move and reminded tech companies they could face fines if they don't step up protections for young users.