Summary

Do you love Snapchat?

Its funky filters and self-destructing messages are a lot of fun.

But even with those fun features, you need protection and want your data to be secure.

person holding smartphone showing snapchat

Business stock/Lightspring/Shutterstock

So, how does Snapchat keep your data safe?

Does it use encryption?

Or does Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging provide a false sense of security?

However, these concepts are quite distinct.

Encryption scrambles your data (texts, pictures, videos, voice notes, etc.)

so only authorized parties can understand it.

Now, ephemeral messaging isn’t about concealing or masking the content of your communications.

So, your conversations are off the record and out of permanent storage at the recipient’s end.

How Does Snapchat Use Encryption?

Snapchat doesn’t say if it uses encryption to protect your messages in any way.

Only you and the person you’re sending the Snap to can view it.

Snapchat itself or any third party can’t peek into your Snaps.

However, this encryption does not cover text messages and interactions in chats.

That’s good, but not the best.

TLS is a security protocol that all apps, websites, and services use.

It stops hackers from stealing your data.

And they might have a reason to, especially if you post something sketchy or illegal.

I’m a member of the Taliban".

This also somewhat aligns withSnapchat’s privacy policy, which states that …

In any case, keep your private messages away from Snapchat just to be certain!

So, Is Your Snapchat Data Secure?

You might wonder if your Snaps (and other messages) are safe from snooping or hacking.

Well, your Snaps are more secure (encrypted) than your texts, but they’re not foolproof.

The recipient can save and share them if they want to.

While that was long ago, there is no guarantee that a similar event will not happen again.

Never assume your Snaps will be gone forever or that they will be seen only by the intended recipient.

We also have a guide withtips to beef up your security and privacy on Snapchat.

So, always think before you Snap and be aware of your digital footprint.