Snapchat is a popular social media app that lets users spice up their photos and videos with creative filters and effects. However, one such feature, the speed filter, has been a subject of controversy and legal battles for years.
Introduced in 2013, the speed filter displayed the speed at which a user was moving while capturing a snap. While intended for fun, it inadvertently encouraged reckless driving, leading to several accidents and fatalities linked to its misuse.
In June 2021, Snapchat announced the removal of the speed filter, citing its minimal usage. However, many speculate that the decision was driven by the legal pressure from the victims’ families who suffered due to the misuse of this feature.
The Perils of the Speed Filter
The speed filter, seemingly harmless, had severe repercussions when misused. Snapchat faced lawsuits from parents of two young men who tragically died in a car crash in Wisconsin in 2017. The parents alleged that the speed filter enticed their sons to drive at 123 mph, sharing their snap moments before the fatal crash.
Safety campaigners and experts have criticized the speed filter, warning that it could distract drivers and promote speeding.
Snapchat’s Stance and Actions
Snapchat defended its speed filter, stating it was not intended to encourage reckless driving. They implemented measures such as capping the filter at 35 mph and adding a “Don’t Snap and Drive” warning. However, these steps were insufficient to deter misuse or prevent lawsuits.
In June 2021, Snapchat removed the speed filter entirely, emphasizing their commitment to improving their products and prioritizing user safety.
Implications of Snapchat’s Decision
Snapchat’s decision to remove the speed filter is a significant step towards user safety. However, it also challenges the accountability of social media platforms.
How much control should they exert over feature usage? What level of accountability should they bear for the consequences of their features? How can they strike a balance between innovation, creativity, safety, and ethics?
These questions are not simple, but they are essential for grasping the impact of such features and the possible dangers they may entail.
Snapchat’s decision is a victory for user safety and a reminder of the need for mindful social media usage and its impact on ourselves and others.
