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Snapchat Employees Have Access to Your Data

In the News 

Your saved snaps can be seen by who? In Snapchat: Your latest reminder anyone a company hires could theoretically breach your privacy, Sean Hollister at The Verge discusses how Snapchat employees are entrusted with a tool allowing them to see your old snaps as well as account information and even physical location data. Hollister explains that it is not unusual for lots of personal data to be stored by a company, but issues arise when the consumers are unaware of the extent to which their data is kept and who has access to such data. 

Our Take 

Data privacy continues to be a relevant topic, specifically when social media companies are involved. Although social media users ‘know’ that the platform is storing their data, it is common not to think much of such a practice. However, this laissezfaire attitude can cause problems down the road if, for some reason, the company suffers a data breach. It is best always to consider the information that you upload, save, or share on social media platforms. Just because you may not find old snaps sensitive information, practicing safe social media habits will benefit you in the long run. Additionally, it is crucial that you understand the data policies of the social media networks you utilize. Always ensure your privacy and your data privacy by choosing companies and platforms that prioritize privacy and data security. 

Recommendations 

How can you protect your privacy while using social media apps? 

  • Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to     
  • Use safe password practices when creating online accounts, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible  
  • Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible          
  • Know your rights when it comes to data use and storage  

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