Snapchat settles with FTC over their misleading claims

May 10, 2014

Zaina Kahuk

New Writer

Headlines

Snapchat, a popular messaging phone application that allows userd to send pictures, videos and messages to friends that disappear after a few seconds, faced allegations from the FTC that the company was deceiving users with their promises. FTC complains that there are many ways these pictures and messages can be claimed, by simply screenshotting or using third party application that can tap into Snapchat.  The FTC also complained about the amount of customer data the company saved.  At one point, Android applications gathered user’s location data and even leaked over 4 million phone numbers and usernames. Snapchat did not oppose or agree with the allegations against them, but instead settled by agreeing to never “misrepresent the extent to which it maintains privacy, security or confidentiality.”