People use Snapchat because of its unique privacy features and temporary content. Most of us use this app confidently without worrying about our information being stored online.
However, Snapchat is known for collecting user data and using it for their purposes. It collects everything from your personal data to interests, location, and what you send to other users.
In this article, we will discuss what data Snapchat collects from its users, how it's used, and what you can do to protect your personal information.
What Data Does Snapchat Collect?
Before we look at how you can limit the amount of data that Snapchat collects from you, we should look at the actual kinds of information it can gather. Below, you'll discover each of these in a little more depth.
1. Personal Identification Data
Since you share all kinds of data, Snapchat can collect your information in all possible ways. According to the Snapchat privacy policy, the app collects all information you provide.
Your name, date of birth, username, phone number, and email are the very first things you provide to Snapchat.
2. Other Activity Data
Other than your basic information, Snapchat also has access to your Snapchat activities, like when you send snaps and who are the most popular recipients of your content.
Since Snapchat gives the option to show your location, it is evident that it knows your most frequently visited places as well.
3. Messaging and Snap Data
The snaps you send to your loved ones on Snapchat can also be accessed. So, before sharing any controversial content, remember that Snapchat can see the snaps you send.
In short, the app has access to everything you share. If you are not comfortable sharing your personal information, Snapchat might not be the best option.
Even if your data doesn’t get viral, there is a huge possibility of the content being in cyberspace.
4. Device Data
Snapchat also has your device information. It collects information about the hardware and software model and the OS (such as Android and iOS).
The devices help Snapchat determine the type of apps you use, browsers in the phone, number of keyboards, and languages.
Why Does Snapchat Need to Collect Your Data?
Snapchat collects information from its users for several reasons. Below, we've broken down each of these.
1. Advertisement Purposes
Snapchat is a hub for ads and trends. However, the app needs to know different users' interests to create relevant ads. Snapchat uses this data to understand the content you will be most interested in.
Additionally, your age, email address, phone numbers can be collected by companies to send you promotional emails. Snapchat wants users to stay engaged when watching ads.
This is why it allows brands to curate and design ads that pique people's interests from specific demographics.
2. Improve User Experience
If you notice, Snapchat has consistently evolved into a more engaging and interactive app with ease of use. It uses your information to improve marketing techniques and user experience.
Snapchat also collects information from your contact list to synchronize and share your account.
By observing your preferences, Snapchat has the opportunity to create a customized and easy user experience that gets the app more users and profit.
According to Snapchat Support, it uses your data to understand the most-used features and improvise them. Moreover, it helps Snapchat fix bugs and keep the app running smoothly.
For How Much Time Does Snapchat Save Your Data?
According to Snapchat, the duration of data stored depends on its type. Below is the amount of time that the company will store your information for different kinds of information.
1. The Duration for Basic Information
Things like your email, name, and phone number are permanent pieces of data that Snapchat stores for as long as you keep it.
Once you change information like phone number and email, the older data is removed from the app. As a matter of fact, you can now change your Snapchat username once a year.
2. The Duration for Other Information
Other data like your location, snap history, messages, and clicks are kept in the database for at least 30 days or as long as needed by Snapchat. It deletes all your data once you deactivate your account.
Data Used by Snapchat for Third-Party Apps and Plugins
Certain apps and plugins have permission from Snapchat to access your information and use it accordingly. These apps are called third-party apps and plugins, and they can be authorized or unauthorized.
Authorized third-party apps are from trusted developers that only require your essential information like name and email. Snapchat allows data to be used by only authorized apps.
On the contrary, unauthorized apps are often an unsafe method to access your personal information and data.
How to Stop Snapchat from Accessing Your Information
As long as you use an app with advertisements, it will collect your information. The best way to stop it from collecting is by limiting the amount of data you share on the app.
When it comes to permissions, put your phone on Ask for Permission mode. This allows Snapchat to ask you for permission before giving access to your information to a third-party app.
Snapchat changes its privacy policy frequently. You can keep up with the changes to remain safe and maintain tabs on your account privacy. Snapchat has also banned anonymous messaging from third-party apps to prevent bullying, harassment, and other security breaches.
You might want to consider using a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your data and maintains an anonymous online presence.
Uninstall any third-party apps from your phone like Snapchat ++, Emulator, and Phantom to avoid getting banned on Snapchat.
Give Limited Data Access to Snapchat
Snapchat is a growing platform that allows people to share visual information. Some people think that information on Snapchat is gone once you close the app. But it stores much of your data, such as your personal details, images, and clicks.
The app stores your data for as long as it is required. They use it to generate relevant advertisements and to improve the user experience. Authorized third-party apps are granted permission by Snapchat to obtain your basic information.
You shouldn’t use unauthorized apps to avoid getting banned. Although the data is for commercial use only, you can keep it private by sharing minimum information and putting your phone in Permission-Only mode.