Snapchat is one of the most popular message apps around. What makes it so popular is that you can send videos, messages, and other posts and it disappears seconds later. At least, that’s what we thought.
According to various reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is accusing Snapchat of collecting users’ information without their knowledge or approval. They say Snapchat failed to tell users their messages could be saved without users’ knowledge. The FTC adds video snaps aren’t encrypted when it gets to the recipient. Back in January, Snapchat was hacked and over 4.6 million usernames and phone numbers were compromised. Snapchat is agreeing to settle. Snapchat hadn’t admitted to these charges…but they haven’t denied them either.
I’m going to see where this goes, but I’m not liking it. I find it ironic a government agency is calling out a private corporation. Remember, around this time last year, it was discovered the NSA was checking out our computers and digging in our smartphones. But I can’t let Snapchat off the hook either. If they had been up front with their consumers this situation would’ve been a lot more tolerable. Why did it take a FTC investigation to bring this to light? I’ve already heard people say they’re never going to use Snapchat again. That goes to show you it only takes one breach of trust to destroy the whole relationship. Will you continue to use Snapchat?