Snapchat has completely banned its anonymous messaging features for third-party apps, which allows users of the latter to chat with folks using the social media platform.
The Snapchat log-in page is displayed on a mobile phone, March 1, 2017 in Glendale, California. After a dearth of technology listings in 2016, Snapchat parent Snap is set for its market debut as early as this week. The initial public offering (IPO) if successful could presage a wave of listings from the sector's so-called "unicorns" -- those with a valuation of at least $1 billion based on private funding sources.
It comes months after the social media firm Snap previously suspended anonymous messaging for two third-party apps, namely LMK and Yolo.
Snapchat Bans Anonymous Messages on Third-Party Apps
As per a news story by The Verge, Snap has blocked anonymous messaging that allows third-party apps users to hook up with Snapchat folks due to concerns like harassment and bullying.
The tech giant said in a blog post that "these anonymous integrations" are being used by Snapchat users in "fun, engaging, and entirely appropriate ways."
However, Snap added that it also believes that some "users might be more prone to engage in harmful behavior - such as bullying or harassment - if they have the shroud of anonymity."
That said, Snapchat would no longer run its third-party messaging integration, which allowed its users to become completely anonymous while engaging other users in the platform.
Instead, according to a recent report by Engadget, Snap is now requiring those who will connect to the social media platform via third-party apps to have a registered account.
Thus, those who are using the third-party app integration on Snapchat could no longer hide their usernames, as well as their identities.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: In this photo illustration the Snapchat app is used on an iPhone on October 6, 2014 in London, England. Snapchat allows users' messages to vanish after seconds. It is being reported that Yahoo may invest millions of dollars in the start up firm.
On top of that, Snap further announced that it is now requiring both meetup and friend-finding apps to restrict the integration to folks who are at least 18 years old in hopes to safeguard its younger users.
Snapchat and Harmful Anonymous Messages
As mentioned earlier, Snapchat has previously blocked two third-party apps from its anonymous messaging integration to take a look at the standards and policies of Snap Kit.
The bold move of Snap to temporarily suspend the third-party apps is a result of a lawsuit filed wherein a teenage user of Yolo and LMK has died after being bullied.
The Verge noted that Snap Kit allows other apps to integrate with Snapchat, including the anonymous messaging feature.
The integration feature of Snapchat requires developers of third-party apps to apply to the project, wherein they will be under the policies of Snap once they are accepted.
That said, Snap still has the power to take action if ever there are incidents that violate the policies of the social media giant, which includes harassment, bullying, and hate speech.
Related Article: Snapchat Users Can Now Change Their Username, a Feature Users Have Been Waiting For
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Teejay Boris
