The Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with Snapchat, mandating the social media platform to implement stricter privacy policies for the next 20 years. The FTC accused Snapchat of misleading users about the disappearing nature of messages and inadequate security practices.
Few anticipated any significant roadblocks, but the Federal Trade Commission has finalized an order settling its charges against Snapchat . This resolution will subject the popular ephemeral messaging platform to stricter privacy policies for the next two decades. The initial complaint, unveiled in May, alleged that Snapchat misled its millions of users with assurances concerning the disappearing nature of messages sent through the service.
The FTC expressed dissatisfaction after discovering that sent snaps and their content could be recovered under certain circumstances or with the assistance of third-party tools. This contradicted Snapchat's core concept of fleeting communication; most consumers believe that once the preset timer expires, everything they send to friends vanishes. The complaint further criticized Snapchat for collecting a user's contact list without consent and maintaining alarmingly lax security practices surrounding the immensely successful app. Following a public comment period, the settlement has been approved by the FTC. As per the finalized terms, Snapchat must now implement a 'comprehensive' privacy program, subject to the oversight of an independent privacy professional for the next 20 years. The company is also prohibited 'from misrepresenting the extent to which it maintains the privacy, security, or confidentiality of users’ information,' although it will not face any direct fines or financial penalties. It appears the FTC complaint has not significantly hampered Snapchat's operations. Recently, users gained a new Square-powered money transfer feature, and the company has commenced experimenting with ads — all aimed at transforming Snapchat's substantial growth into eventual profits
Snapchat FTC Privacy Security Deceptive Practices
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FTC Bans 'Junk Fees' for Live Events, Hotels, and VacationsThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a new rule to eliminate deceptive pricing practices and 'junk fees' for live events, hotels, and vacation rentals.
Read more »
Grubhub to Pay $25 Million to Settle FTC Lawsuit Over Deceptive PracticesGrubhub has agreed to a $25 million settlement with the FTC over allegations of misleading customers and drivers, inflating delivery fees, and listing restaurants without their consent.
Read more »
FTC Bans Junk Fees for Live Events, Hotels, and Vacation RentalsThe Federal Trade Commission has implemented a new rule to curb the practice of hidden fees in live events, hotels, and vacation rentals.
Read more »
Grubhub to pay $25M in deceptive practices settlement with Illinois attorney general and the FTCSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Grubhub Inc., an online food ordering and delivery platform, will pay $25 million to settle a dispute over alleged deceptive
Read more »
FTC Mandates Transparent Pricing, Targets Hidden FeesThe Federal Trade Commission has implemented a new rule requiring businesses to disclose total prices upfront, including all mandatory fees. This move aims to protect consumers from unexpected charges and empower them to make informed purchasing decisions.
Read more »
FTC Bans Junk Fees on Concert Tickets, Hotels, and Vacation RentalsThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is implementing a new rule to ban 'junk fees,' such as resort fees and convenience fees, on live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals. This rule aims to provide consumers with transparent all-in pricing, allowing for easier price comparisons. The FTC expects this change to save consumers millions of hours and billions of dollars annually.
Read more »