Snapchat class action alleges social media network spams users with calls, texts

Snapchat class action overview: 

• Who: An Oregon resident has sued Snapchat.
• Why: The plaintiff says the company flooded consumers with unwanted telemarketing texts.
• Where: The Snapchat class action was filed in an Oregon federal court.

Snapchat is facing a new class action lawsuit alleging it flooded consumers with unwanted telemarketing texts.

Plaintiff Nathan King, an Oregon resident, filed the class action complaint against Snapchat Inc. on Nov. 11, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). 

According to King, Snapchat sent him more than two dozen texts promoting its content — despite the fact that he added his phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry in 2023 to avoid unsolicited messages.

Snapchat baits users to inflate user numbers, lawsuit alleges

The lawsuit alleges that Snapchat’s messages invited King to view new user stories, yet clicking on the provided links didn’t take him directly to the stories. Instead, each link allegedly redirected to a page prompting him to download Snapchat’s app and create an account, which King says is a tactic to inflate user numbers rather than deliver content. 

The lawsuit points to Snapchat’s revenue model, which depends on app downloads and user engagement. 

It says the company’s North American revenue per user hit nearly $9 in late 2023, contributing to its $4.6 billion total revenue that year.

The TCPA enables consumers to opt out of telemarketing through the Do Not Call Registry and requires companies to honor that choice. However, Snapchat did not not honor the registry when it sent at least 14 text messages to King over the past four years, King alleges.

The complaint argues that Snapchat’s approach pressures individuals into downloading the app, despite federal laws protecting against unwanted solicitation. 

“King wants this spam to stop. Many others do as well,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff’s counsel has 31 other clients—in addition to King—who have reported unwanted and unsolicited telemarketing text messages from Snapchat.”

As a result, King is looking to represent anyone on the Do Not Call Registry who does not have a Snapchat account but who got a text from the company.

He is suing for violations of the TCPA and seeks certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In January, consumers filed a pair of class action lawsuits over alleged violations of the TCPA by companies sending unsolicited telemarketing text messages and/or phone calls. 

What do you think of the allegations in this class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments. 

King is represented by Scott Hite.

The Snapchat class action is Nathan King v. Snapchat Inc., Case No. 3:24-cv-01869-SI in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.

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