With over 100 million daily active users, Snapchat has become a hugely popular social media platform, especially among younger users. While Snapchat can be fun and harmless, sometimes concerning or even illegal content gets shared on the app. If you come across inappropriate Snapchats that you believe warrant reporting to law enforcement, here is how you can report a Snapchat to the police:
Reasons You May Need to Report a Snapchat to Police
There are a few main reasons you may feel the need to report a Snapchat post or account to law enforcement:
- Child pornography or exploitation
- Threats of violence or terrorism
- Evidence of a crime like drug dealing or distribution
- Harassment, stalking, or bullying
- Hate speech or threats targeting a protected class
Snapchat’s terms of service prohibit any illegal, dangerous, or offensive use of the platform. However, moderators don’t catch everything, which is why users can play an important role in reporting concerning content to Snapchat and/or the proper authorities.
How to Report a Snapchat Account
If you need to report a whole Snapchat account (not just specific content), here are the steps:
- Open the Snapchat app and go to the profile page of the account you want to report.
- Tap the settings icon (the gear symbol) in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Report’ at the bottom.
- Select the option ‘Report this account’ and choose a reason for your report.
- Add any additional details in the text box.
- Tap ‘Submit Report.’
Snapchat has a team that reviews all reports and will take appropriate action if the account violates guidelines. Action could include suspending or banning the account.
Reporting Specific Snapchat Content
To report a specific Snapchat photo, video, story, etc., use these steps:
- Press and hold on the content you want to report.
- Tap the flag icon that pops up.
- Select your reason for reporting.
- Add any details in the text box.
- Tap ‘Submit Report.’
Again, Snapchat will review your report and take action if the content breaks rules. Note that you can also block accounts if you want to stop seeing their content without reporting.
Reporting Snapchat to Law Enforcement
For extremely concerning criminal cases like threats, exploitation, stalking, etc., you may feel the need to involve law enforcement, not just Snapchat. Here are some tips for reporting a Snapchat account or content to the police:
- Document everything. Take screenshots showing usernames, messages, images, etc. Document dates and times.
- Submit a cyber tip to the FBI at www.fbi.gov/tips if the content could be a federal crime.
- Contact your local police department. Many have online forms, hotlines, or cybercrime divisions for reporting internet crimes.
- Let police know if you already reported the Snapchat to the platform itself.
- Follow any instructions from law enforcement for collecting and preserving evidence.
Depending on the severity of the situation, police may just document your report, investigate further, contact Snapchat to request account information, or even seek a warrant for Snapchat data. Understand that police action often takes time.
What Information Do Police Need for a Snapchat Report?
To investigate a Snapchat complaint, police will need key details like:
- The Snapchat username(s) involved
- Screenshot evidence of concerning Snaps, messages, stories, etc.
- Descriptions of any concerning photos, videos, or communications
- Timeframes of when the content was posted or messages sent
- Your relationship to the Snapchat user if any (family, friend, classmate, coworker, stranger, etc.)
Police can subpoena Snapchat for information on accounts under investigation. Details they can access include:
- Subscriber information like name, email, phone number
- IP addresses and logs of account access
- Message history and contacts
- Geo-tagging data showing locations
However, due to Snapchat’s disappearing content features, some data may no longer be accessible after a certain time period passes.
Police Options for Investigating Snapchat Crimes
Once police receive a Snapchat complaint report, they have a few options for following up depending on the details and their policies. These can include:
- Documenting the report but not pursuing further action
- Requesting account details from Snapchat via subpoena
- Tracking down the account holder via the IP address
- Obtaining a search warrant for Snapchat’s records and the account
- Using a juvenile diversion program for minor first-time offenses
- Making an arrest and building a court case for prosecution
For serious crimes like sexual exploitation of minors, threats of violence, stalking, etc., police are likely to thoroughly investigate Snapchat reports. For minor issues, they may just document the complaint in case it becomes a pattern.
Can You Report Anonymously?
When submitting reports directly to Snapchat or the police, you cannot remain anonymous. Snapchat requires you to log into your account to report other users. And police need to know who is providing the information in a complaint. However, police may be able to keep your identity as confidential as possible if you express concerns about retaliation.
What Happens After Police Receive a Snapchat Report?
After you submit a report about a concerning Snapchat account or content to law enforcement, here are some possible next steps:
- The police may contact you for any needed follow-up information.
- They will document the complaint in case it becomes part of a pattern.
- Police can request information from Snapchat via subpoena or search warrant.
- For very serious reports, they may open a full criminal investigation.
- This could involve interviews, collecting evidence, obtaining search warrants, making an arrest, etc.
- For juvenile offenders, they may refer the case to a diversion program.
- Prosecutors would determine any criminal charges to file.
- You may need to provide testimony if a case goes to trial.
Depending on the severity, some cases may take weeks or even months to fully investigate and prosecute if it reaches that point. Check in with the investigating officer for updates and follow their instructions related to collecting evidence.
What Kinds of Charges Can Result from Snapchat Crimes?
Depending on the details of the case, possible criminal charges stemming from misuse of Snapchat can include:
- Child pornography – production, distribution, possession
- Sexual exploitation
- Harassment and cyberstalking
- Blackmail
- Extortion
- Making threats of violence
- Hate crimes
- Defamation – libel, slander
- Drug selling and distribution
- Financial fraud
These charges can be at both state and federal levels depending on the violations. The penalties range from fines and probation to years in prison for felonies.
Protecting Yourself When Reporting to Police
If you report a Snapchat account or content to law enforcement, keep these tips in mind:
- Document everything and take screenshots for evidence.
- Avoid directly confronting the person yourself.
- Consider blocking accounts of concerning users.
- Set your Snapchat so only friends can contact you.
- Don’t delete anything that could be evidence.
- Ask police about keeping your identity confidential if needed.
- Follow guidance from police on collecting evidence.
- Let officers handle any arrests or confrontations.
Reporting crimes can be stressful, but avoiding direct confrontation yourself is wise. Let law enforcement take appropriate action while you focus on your personal safety.
Snapchat Safety Tips
While no app is 100% safe from risks, you can take measures to protect yourself on Snapchat:
- Don’t add people you don’t personally know.
- Use privacy settings to control who sees your content.
- Avoid sharing personal details like school, address, etc.
- Block or report suspicious accounts.
- Enable Snap Map sharing only with friends.
- Don’t open or download suspicious Snap attachments.
- Talk to your kids about safe social media use.
Following basic precautions greatly reduces your risks on Snapchat and any platform. But no app or website can be 100% safe, which is why law enforcement provides crucial help addressing dangerous use cases.
Conclusion
Snapchat provides fun ways to share moments with friends and family. However, some users misuse the platform for predatory, dangerous, or criminal purposes. Being informed on how to properly report concerning Snapchat content gives you the power to protect yourself and others.
Remember, trusted adults, Snapchat support staff, and law enforcement are there as resources if you encounter alarming situations. Do not hesitate to reach out to the proper authorities when needed. With a few safety precautions in place, Snapchat can remain an enjoyable social experience for you and your loved ones.