Social networks have become an integral part of our lives, connecting people of all ages from around the world. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have brought both joy and concerns, ranging from rekindling relationships with distant relatives to forming friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. However, these platforms are not without risks, as they can be misused for malicious or harmful purposes, including the sharing of sensitive, violent, or explicit content.

In a proactive move to protect children and adolescents, Snapchat has recently introduced a set of measures aimed at ensuring their safety online. These measures include preventing them from interacting with unknown individuals and shielding them from potentially disturbing content. One key feature of this initiative is the implementation of a strike system, supported by advanced detection technologies, to hold users accountable for inappropriate behavior.

The strike system is a collaborative effort between automated content detection and human intervention. It begins with any post on the platform, whether it's in Stories or Spotlight, being subject to reporting by any user who encounters it. Snapchat's team of moderators then personally reviews reported content flagged by the system. It's noteworthy that, unlike many technology companies, Snapchat has chosen not to rely solely on artificial intelligence for this task, opting for a more hands-on approach.

To further protect vulnerable users, Snapchat has introduced features to prevent strangers from accessing their profiles. Users will receive warnings when someone without mutual contacts tries to add them, and the threshold for recommending contacts with mutual connections has been raised. Concurrently, Snapchat is committed to enhancing its website, offering valuable information on safety measures within the network.

Nevertheless, Snapchat emphasizes that responsible usage remains the most effective long-term strategy to mitigate online threats. Education plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and secure online experience.