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How secure are Snapchat video calls?

How secure are Snapchat video calls?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. In recent years, Snapchat has added the ability to make video calls through the app. With rising concerns over privacy and security of online communications, many Snapchat users wonder just how secure these Snapchat video calls really are.

Can Snapchat video calls be intercepted?

When making a Snapchat video call, the video and audio are encrypted while in transit using end-to-end encryption. This makes it very difficult for third parties to intercept and access Snapchat video call data while it is being transferred between the caller and receiver. However, end-to-end encryption does not prevent Snapchat itself from accessing video call data. Snapchat’s privacy policy states that they collect data from users interacting with their services. So while Snapchat video calls have encryption protecting them during transfer, the service itself can still access the call data.

Does Snapchat store video call data?

According to Snapchat’s privacy policy, they may store user content like Snaps, Chats, and Story posts in order to deliver, maintain, and improve their services. However, Snapchat states that they delete user content once it has been delivered and opened by the recipient and no longer serves a business purpose. For one-on-one chats, Snapchat deletes messages once both parties have opened the message. For video calls, this likely means Snapchat stores the data temporarily during the call for service delivery but deletes it once the call ends.

How long does Snapchat store video call data?

Snapchat does not provide specifics on exactly how long they retain video call data after a call ends before deleting it. Their policy says they store it only as long as needed to deliver the service and maintain improvements. It’s likely this storage period ranges from hours up to a few days or weeks maximum. They gain no benefit from storing large amounts of video call data indefinitely due to the costs of storage, so retaining data for only limited periods aligned with their service needs is most prudent.

How does Snapchat protect stored call data?

For any video call data that Snapchat does store, even temporarily, they say they utilize a range of security safeguards to protect it:

  • Data encryption – This scrambles stored data so only authorized parties can access it.
  • Access controls – Restricts data access to only personnel who need it for legitimate purposes.
  • Network security – Firewalls, threat monitoring, and intrusion prevention protect systems where data is stored.
  • Internal policies – Snapchat employees must adhere to data handling guidelines.

Snapchat states that while no security methods are completely impenetrable, their safeguards follow industry best practices to protect user data within reason. They conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and upgrade security accordingly.

What user data can Snapchat access?

In addition to stored content like video calls, Snapchat can access and collect other types of user data and metadata, including:

  • Usernames, passwords, and contact lists for delivering services
  • Device type, operating system, and network carrier
  • Location information from device GPS and IP address
  • Usage data like Snaps viewed, stories posted, and time in app
  • Information from linked services like Facebook or Bitmoji

Snapchat’s privacy policy provides transparency into the types of user data they access and collect in order to deliver and support their app functionality. They state user data helps them monitor and improve service performance and security.

Can police obtain Snapchat call records?

Yes, law enforcement can legally request Snapchat to disclose user data with a valid subpoena, court order, or search warrant. If police are investigating a crime and have reasonable justification to access Snapchat user data relevant to their case, they can serve Snapchat with one of these legal orders compelling them to provide the information. Snapchat states they may also provide user data to law enforcement in “life or death” situations when they determine there is imminent risk of harm. Police can potentially obtain stored Snapchat video call data by this process if it exists and is pertinent to an investigation.

Does Snapchat cooperate with government agencies?

Beyond responding to law enforcement requests, Snapchat may also be required to provide user data to government agencies for national security purposes. Their transparency report details number of requests received and complied with from various government entities in the U.S. and other countries. Over the first half of 2022, Snapchat received over 3,000 government requests for user data worldwide, with about 70% of U.S. requests fully complied with. So government agencies can also legally obtain user communications and metadata, including video calls, with proper justification and documentation that Snapchat cooperates with by law.

Can video calls be recovered if deleted?

If a Snapchat video call is deleted by both parties after viewing according to Snapchat’s retention policy, it becomes very difficult to recover the call data. Snapchat utilizes data deletion methods that are designed to prevent recovery, though no deletion system is fully permanent. However, if the call data is preserved by one user recording the call with a separate device or software before Snapchat deletes it, or if law enforcement requests the data from Snapchat before it’s deleted, then recovery becomes more feasible. But inherently fleeting nature of Snapchat messages and calls makes recovery unlikely if it’s deleted per Snapchat’s system.

How does Snapchat notify users of security updates?

Snapchat communicates updates, changes, and improvements to security practices through several methods:

  • In-app notifications – Users may receive in-app pop-up messages informing them of new features or policy changes related to security or privacy.
  • Blog posts – Snapchat publishes blog content detailing security developments like new encryption methods or device permissions.
  • Help Center article updates – Additions and changes to their information databases on security topics.
  • Privacy policy updates – Changes to privacy policy are communicated to highlight altered security practices.

While not every minor fix may be individually communicated, Snapchat aims to provide general transparency to users on major security enhancements relevant to their services.

How can users improve security?

There are a few steps Snapchat users can take to improve security:

  • Strong account passwords – Use long, complex passwords that would be difficult for hackers to guess.
  • Two-factor authentication – Enable two-step login for enhanced account security.
  • Recognize scams – Identify shady links that may compromise account security.
  • Update app regularly – Maintain latest security patches and upgrades.
  • Limit shared data – Be selective about what personal data is provided to Snapchat.
  • Device security – Use lock screens and keep device OS up to date.

While Snapchat implements technical security measures on their end, users also play a key role in practicing good security habits for their accounts and devices.

Conclusion

Snapchat video calls utilize end-to-end encryption during transmission and some security safeguards for stored data. However, the content of calls may be accessed and retained by Snapchat temporarily and can also be obtained by law enforcement agencies if necessitated. Users should be aware Snapchat holds the capability to access video call data, along with other user information, that they aim to protect within reason. While Snapchat video calls offer a more secure communication option than unencrypted alternatives, they do not provide completely impenetrable privacy. Practicing cautious data sharing and securing accounts and devices can help enhance user security as well.