US-based popular social media platform, Snapchat will ban anonymous messaging features from third-party apps that integrate with its platform, following concerns from many users that they could be used for bullying and harassment.
The decision follows a lawsuit last year that sought to hold Snap liable for misuse of its platform linked to the death of a teenager who was being bullied on two Snapchat-connected apps. The third-party apps, Yolo and LMK, both had anonymous messaging features and were suspended by Snapchat shortly after the suit was filed.
“While we know that most Snapchatters used these anonymous integrations in fun, engaging, and entirely appropriate ways, we believe some users might be more prone to engage in harmful behavior, such as bullying or harassment if they have the shroud of anonymity,” the company said.
The company is also focusing on building technologies that support real-life human connections and communications between close friends, a principle that helps create more secure and more positive online experiences.
It announced that friend-finding apps will not be allowed unless they are age-gated and restricted to Snapchatters over 18. This change will better protect younger users and is more consistent with Snapchat’s use case, communications between close friends who already know each other.
As a platform that works with a wide range of developers, it aims to foster an ecosystem that helps apps protect user safety, privacy, and wellbeing, while unlocking product innovation for developers and helping them grow their businesses, according to the company.
Several changes to its developer platform in the best interest of community developers have been adopted which are responsible for ensuring that their integrations are suitable for their intended audience, including age and local laws and regulations in each geographic area where the integration will be available.
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