In addition to cute and funny filters, one key element that contributed to Snapchat’s instant success is its disappearing messages and photos feature. However, a question that many users have is whether Snapchat is safe for sending private photos or if there is a hidden dark side.
Your privacy and security are non-negotiable as you connect to multiple users, especially strangers over social media every day. So without any delay, let’s find out the answer to your query and see if you should share sensitive information over Snapchat. Let’s begin.
Is Snapchat Safe for Sending Private Photos and Messages?
Among the top cyber attacks in history, one was on Snapchat in 2015 where personal information of over 4 million users was leaked. Since then, the concern over data breaches has been on the rise always.
When it comes to Snapchat, the platform claims to prioritize users’ privacy and security. It says to use high-level encryption for photos and messages sent through the app, which increases the level of security.
However, remember that it is important to note that no platform is completely safe, and hence, you should be aware of the below-mentioned risks:
- Data accessibility: SnapLion which is Snapchat’s back-end system can reportedly be accessed by its employees who can view private user data, including photos and videos.
- Metadata Retention: Snapchat retains metadata on Snaps and Chats exchanged, including other details.
- Screenshots: Recipients can secretly take screenshots of your snaps or use third-party apps that may not trigger a notification when the screenshot is taken.
What is the Dark Side of Snapchat?
Snapchat’s dark sides are concerned with the potential risks and negative aspects associated with it:
- Impersonation: Many users create fake profiles on Snapchat, which opens the door for impersonation and can lead to deceptive relationships or friendships. Moreover, they can be used for cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation.
- Self-destructive Conversations: Snaps and messages disappear on the platform once viewed or after 24 hours. So, if not saved, it can be difficult to track and report abusive or unacceptable behavior.
- Inappropriate Content: Once again due to its disappearing feature, Snapchat has been very much used to share inappropriate or explicit content, sexting, and sharing of sensitive content which can compromise your security.
Is Snapchat Safe and Secure for Kids and Teens?
Yes, generally Snapchat is considered safe for all age groups, including kids and teens as the platform claims to filter out the content they shouldn’t be seeing. However, the safety of children ultimately depends on how the app is used and parents play an important role in this.
For example, as a parent, you can use the parental control feature to track your teens’ activities on the platform. Additionally, it also allows you to secretly report an account when you suspect inappropriate behavior or content.
Also Read: How to Convince Your Parents to Get Snapchat
Is Snapchat Safe for Adults?
Yes, Snapchat can be a safe and enjoyable platform for adults as long as they are cautious about who they are communicating and sharing content with.
One potential disadvantage of the platform is the Snap Map feature, which displays a user’s exact location to their contacts. This feature can potentially cause safety problems.
Can Snapchat See Your My Eyes Only?
No, Snapchat cannot see your saved snaps on My Eyes Only. It is like a personal vault to keep things private. Without the password, no one can access the things saved in your My Eyes Only album.
Also Read: How to Delete My Eyes Only on Snapchat
What are the Security Risks of Snapchat?
Some of the security risks on Snapchat can be:
- Account Hacked: If you have a weak password, someone who knows you well may be able to guess your password easily and gain access to your account.
- Location Exposure: Your friends can find your location on Snapchat, especially from the Snap Map
- Privacy Breaches: Screenshots, unauthorized third-party applications, or exploits can capture and preserve private content without the user’s knowledge.
What Personal Data are Collected on Snapchat?
Snapchat collects numerous personal data from its users to improve services and personalize the user experience. This includes Name, Email address, Password, Phone number, Date of birth, Bitmoji, Location data, and Contacts.
How to Stay Safe on Snapchat
To stay safe on Snapchat, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure to create a strong password usually with a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols, and do not share it with anyone
- Do not add strangers to your Snapchat
- Promptly block and report users who send inappropriate content or violate community guidelines
- Keep your location private by enabling the Ghost Mode to hide the same from others
- Disable ad personalization to protect your privacy
- Use a VPN to hide your IP address
- Educate yourself about Snapchat community guidelines
- Regularly check your privacy settings to control who can view your stories and send snaps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Snapchat 100% safe?
Ans. No, like any other platform, Snapchat is not 100% safe and there is always a risk of potential security breaches. So, be cautious and mindful of your privacy and security.
Q2. Is Snapchat still encrypted?
Ans. Snapchat offers end-to-end encryption for only limited features on its platform including snaps, photos, and videos.
Q3. Is the Snapchat Camera Safe?
Ans. While Snapchat ensures that its camera feature is safe for users, there is no foolproof guarantee. Make sure to practice good online safety habits to be secure online.
Q4. Do Snaps Really Disappear?
Ans. Yes, Snapchat snaps and messages disappear as the platform is designed to automatically delete one-on-one and group chats once the recipient has viewed them. However, in one-on-one chat users also have the option to set snaps to delete after 24 hours.
We hope this article helped you understand whether Snapchat is safe for sending private photos or not.
If you have any further queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below and keep visiting TechCult to read more informative blogs.
