Judge Makes Privacy-Rights Ruling in Grieving Parents’ Case Against Snapchat

The decision is a setback for the plaintiffs, who allege the social-media platform holds some responsibility for enabling illicit drug sales to minors who died.

Judge Lawrence Riff listens to attorneys during the court case of Amy Neville versus Snapchat in Los Angeles., on Aug. 25, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

LOS ANGELES—A judge has made a key ruling in a civil case that dozens of grieving parents are pressing against social media platform Snapchat.

As a result of the ruling, Snap Inc., Snapchat’s parent company, can withhold the communications of Snapchat users—including people who allegedly sold illicit drugs to children who then died or suffered serious harm.