Snapchat recently updated its privacy policy to give users more control over their personal information and how it is used by Snapchat and its parent company Snap Inc. The updated policy went into effect on January 1, 2023 and includes several key changes that aim to improve transparency, choice and accountability.
Some of the key questions around Snapchat’s new privacy policy include:
What personal information does Snapchat collect?
Snapchat collects a range of personal information from its users including:
– Basic information like name, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender
– Profile information like Bitmoji and usernames
– Contacts in your address book if you allow Snapchat access
– Location data if you enable location services
– Information about how you use Snapchat features like Snaps, Chats, Stories, Lens and more
– Information about your device like model, operating system, IP address
– Cookies and tracking technologies to analyze how you interact with Snapchat services
How does Snapchat use your personal information?
Snapchat uses your personal information for the following purposes:
– Provide, maintain and improve Snapchat services
– Research and develop new services and features
– Personalize content and make suggestions for you
– Provide measurement, analytics and other business services
– Promote safety, integrity and security across Snapchat
– Communicate with you about Snapchat via emails, push notifications, chat messages
– Show relevant ads and measure ad performance
– Comply with legal obligations and enforce Snapchat policies
Who does Snapchat share your personal information with?
Snapchat may share your personal information with the following parties:
– Snap Inc subsidiaries and affiliates for business purposes
– Third party service providers who help support Snapchat operations
– Law enforcement agencies or legal representatives if required by law
– External parties in an anonymized and aggregated form that does not identify you
What control and choices do users have over their data?
Under the new privacy policy, Snapchat users have greater control including:
– Accessing, correcting and deleting personal data
– Restricting use of location data
– Opting out of personalized ads
– Downloading a copy of your Snapchat data
– Deleting your account and data
– Adjusting privacy settings for who can see your content
– Choosing not to share certain information like address books
Key Changes in Snapchat’s Privacy Policy
Here are some of the most important changes coming to Snapchat’s privacy policy:
Enhanced Transparency
Snapchat aims to provide more clarity on what data is collected and how it is used. The updated policy uses simpler language and outlines purposes more explicitly.
Stronger User Controls
Users will have expanded options to control use of location data, ad personalization and how long their data is retained after account deletion. Settings are easier to navigate.
No More Third-Party Ad Tech
Snapchat will no longer pass data to third parties for ad targeting. Ads will be served based only on user activity within Snapchat.
Limited Data Retention
Snapchat will store data only as long as needed to fulfill the purposes outlined in the policy. Data associated with deleted accounts will be removed.
Enhanced Account Security
Stronger security protections like encryption and anonymization have been implemented to safeguard user data.
Revoked App Permissions
Upon policy update, Snapchat will automatically revoke permissions granted to third-party apps. Users must re-authorize any apps they want to continue allowing access.
Parental Oversight
New tools will help parents monitor minor children’s Snapchat usage and help guide privacy settings.
Details on Key Privacy Policy Changes
Here is a more detailed look at some of Snapchat’s most notable privacy policy changes:
Location Data Controls
– Snapchat collects location data from devices when the app is in use to power location-based features.
– Under old policy, Location Services had to be fully on or off.
– New policy allows more granular control over location data collection, like only when using specific features.
– Users can review location data Snapchat has collected and delete all or part of it.
Ad Personalization Opt-Out
– Old policy allowed personalized ads based on Snapchat activity and partner data. No way to opt out.
– New policy enables users to opt out of personalized ads in Settings. Generic ads will still appear.
– Personalized ads help keep Snapchat free but users now have choice to disable if they desire more privacy.
Limited Data Retention
– Previous policy did not specify data retention periods.
– Updated policy commits to storing data only as long as needed to fulfill specific purposes.
– When accounts are deleted, associated data will also be deleted from Snapchat servers.
– Some data may be retained in backups briefly before permanent deletion.
Third-Party App Permissions
– Prior policy allowed third-party apps like games to access Snapchat data when authorized by users.
– New policy revokes all existing app permissions granted by users.
– Users must re-authorize each app to regain access to any Snapchat data.
– Greater user awareness and control over third-party data access.
Parental Supervision Tools
– Old policy did not offer any specific parental control features.
– New Family Center enables parents to oversee children’s Snapchat accounts.
– Parents can monitor connections and report concerning activity while respecting teen privacy.
– Helps guide child account settings around visibility, interactions and content consumption.
Responding to User Concerns
Snapchat’s privacy policy update aims to address several user concerns that have been raised around data privacy:
Data Security
Users have expressed worries about data breaches. The enhanced policy prioritizes security protections like encryption, anonymity and access controls. Snapchat users can feel more reassured their personal data is safe.
Transparency Around Data Use
Lack of clarity around how data was used for advertising profiles has been a complaint. The new policy spells out data uses in more understandable detail.
Limited Data Retention
Apps storing old data indefinitely makes some users uneasy. Snapchat now makes clear that data not needed is deleted promptly from their systems.
Ad Targeting and Personalization
Some users want to opt out of targeted ads. The new policy finally gives that option to disable personalized ads.
Third-Party App Access
Sharing data with external apps without sufficient user controls was an issue. Snapchat now requires users to re-approve all third-party app connections.
How the Changes Impact Users
For most Snapchat users, the privacy policy update will have the following impacts:
More Informed Choices
The enhanced transparency around data practices allows users to make more educated decisions about what information they share.
Peace of Mind
Implementing security best practices and limiting data retention provides reassurance to users who had concerns.
Ad Preferences
The option to disable personalized ads grants users more say in how their data aids advertising profiles.
App Permissions Reset
Revoking app permissions prompts users to evaluate which third-party connections still make sense.
Family Oversight
Parents gain tools to guide child account settings while still allowing some freedom and privacy.
Continuity of Service
Even with the policy changes, Snapchat services remain available without significant disruptions.
What Stays the Same in the Privacy Policy
While Snapchat made significant privacy policy improvements, some practices remain unchanged:
Data Collection
Snapchat still collects user data to power core app functionality, including information like biographical data, usage activity and device details.
Ads
Non-personalized ads will continue appearing. Data use for measurement, research and development also continues.
Sharing
Information may still be shared with law enforcement, legal requests, or parent companies for business operations.
Rights
The overall rights around Snapchat user data access, correction and deletion are largely the same.
International Data Transfers
Snapchat will still transfer data globally as needed to provide their services. Safeguards are used to protect information.
Minimum Age 13
Snapchat still prohibits use by children under age 13 in compliance with COPPA regulations.
Evolving Practices
As technology continues advancing, Snapchat reserves the right to evolve data practices while preserving user privacy.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s detailed privacy policy update reflects a wider industry shift towards transparency around data use while providing users more control over their information. The changes address several areas of concern like security, retention and ad targeting while laying a foundation of strong privacy protections that can adapt over time. While no policy is perfect, Snapchat has taken strides to help users make informed choices while feeling more at ease about how data enables Snapchat services. As technology and regulations evolve around data privacy, users should continue monitoring Snapchat’s privacy practices while making use of the enhanced options to safeguard their information.