Snapchat Investigated for False Claim that Photos “Disappear Forever”

Snapchat was punished by the FTC for misrepresenting its security and privacy practices, including its fundamental promise that photos and videos “disappear forever” after being viewed. The FTC also accused Snapchat of collecting user geolocation data and data from user address books despite promising not do so in its privacy policy. As part of its settlement with the FTC, Snapchat was forced to agree to independent oversight of its privacy program for 20 years.