SnapChat, or the tongue-sticking ghost app, has gained a reputation. As an app that allows users
to take pictures which then ‘disappear’ into cyberspace, it has become known as the ‘sexting
app.’
While SnapChat’s privacy policy states that all pictures that are sent are deleted after being sent,
it does address the flaw in trying to make messages disappear. “Although we attempt to delete
image data as soon as possible after the message is transmitted, we cannot guarantee that the
message contents will be deleted in every case,” the policy states. “For example, users may take
a picture of the message contents with another imaging device or capture a screenshot of the
message contents on the device screen.”
The policy emphasizes that messages are sent at the risk of the user. While SnapChat may have
created the mentality that sexual photos will be deleted, it is important to remember that the
receiver has the option to push a button and save the photo.
However, SnapChat is true to its word that photos which pass through the app are deleted.
While, as the policy states, there are risks inherent in using the internet and wireless devices to
transmit information, SnapChat itself does not have a collection of deleted photos floating in
cyberspace.
“I only use it with one friend,” said one student who wishes to remain anonymous. “We just
send each other random pictures, like of the Christmas tree.”
While SnapChat was meant to be a clever new way to text information, the company realizes
that it has become known as the sexting app. The app’s information states that it is designed for
people above the age of 13, and that minors above 13 should request parental permission to use
the app.
While SnapChat won’t save your messages for distribution later, there’s no telling what the
receiver of your photos is doing with them. So, be cautious of who you are sending your photos
to. They will be the ones who ruin your political campaign with inappropriate photos 20 years
down the road, not SnapChat.
