Snapchat disputes invasion of privacy claims; says user photos aren't stored

Snapchat users are worried that photos they share with friends are being stored in the app's servers without their permission. To address this concern, the popular photo-messaging app reassured its patrons their pictures will never be stored despite changes to their privacy policy.

All of the images shared through the app immediately disappear after the recipient views them, stated the Snapchat Blog. Photo messages "are automatically deleted from our servers once we detect that they have been viewed or have expired”.

It seems that when Snapchat made changes to its privacy policy and its terms and services, users started to fret about their private pictures. Users started to worry the updates allow the app to save their photos and could make their photos accessible to advertisers. Now, Snapchat users are reassured the app never stockpiles photos, according to CNET.

It’s believed users started to worry after Instagram caused outrage because of a policy change in 2012. Instagram got a lot of backlash for stating it could sell photos posted by the users.

Although Snapchat’s policy update isn’t as controversial as that of Instagram, user reaction shows that companies need to invest more time in explaining what policy changes mean to their users. The Snapchat policy change included a language update with regards to any in-app purchases.

"We needed to do that now that we are selling Replays and have some other cool products and services we are looking forward to bringing to you soon”, said the blog post. It must be noted that promoted content, in addition to in-app purchases, are certainly part of the app's long-term strategy for monetizing the app.

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