Privacy Policy Paper - Snapchat

Snapchat defines their general purpose as, “a fast and fun way to share experiences with your friends and the world around you” (Snapchat, 2014 Privacy Policy). The application allows users to take a photo or video “snap,” add text, drawings and filters, and then send to a controlled list of friends. Users set a time limit for how long recipients can view their snaps; once that time is up they will be hidden from the recipient's device. The application also gives the user the ability to chronicle their day through “My Story,” which is available to the user’s entire recipient list, to participate in “Our Story” and keep track of global event, and to use the chat option to touch base with friends (Snapchat, 2014, Privacy Policy). Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown, all former Stanford University students, created and developed Snapchat as part of a project design class in April 2011. The application first launched in July of 2011 under the name Picaboo. (Colao, 2012). As of May 2014, Snapchat's users were sending 700 million photos and videos per day, while Snapchat Stories were being viewed 500 million times per day. At that time, the company had a valuation of $10-$20 billion (Lunden, 2014).

In order to make a Snapchat account, the user must provide a username, password, email address, phone number, and age or date of birth. These are general requirements for most social media accounts. Snapchat also specifies that users must confirm that they are at least 18 years of age, an emancipated minor, or possess legal parental or guardian consent to use their services. This restriction is in place to ensure that users are fully able to agree to their terms and conditions. They also state that they, in sole discretion, may refuse to offer their services to any person or entity.

By agreeing to the terms and conditions set out by Snapchat, the user “understands” that they are solely responsible for their User Content, and for the adjustable privacy settings...