Snapchat’s new tools to protect users

New features on Snapchat are hoping to create a safer community for its users. They protect against online harms, all while reinforcing the real-life connections the app is known for.

New functions include in-chat warnings for suspicious contact, as well as increased protections and improvements for adding new friends, location sharing and blocking.

Ben Au, Public Policy Lead ANZ at Snap Inc, says creating an environment that puts the safety, privacy and wellbeing of Snapchatters – particularly teens – first is a top priority for the company.

“Snapchat is designed differently to traditional social media, with a focus on helping people connect with friends they know in real life. We’re always working to make Snapchat an even more fun – and safe – place to do just that. As new online harms continue to emerge, we’re committed to developing ways to protect our community against these risks, especially with the safety of young New Zealanders in mind.”

Teen safety

These expanded features add to Snapchat’s ongoing work to make it difficult for strangers to find and contact teens on the app. The aim is to prevent bullying and build on its commitment to combating online sextortion – a growing crime in New Zealand.

“We’ve worked diligently to fight back against sextortion across the platform, from designing the app to not display public friend lists, which can be used to facilitate sextortion schemes, to not allowing teens to be messaged by anyone they haven’t added as a friend, or don’t have in their phone contacts. And we continue to educate Snapchatters through resources like our in-app Safety Snapshot on financial sextortion, and on our Privacy & Safety Hub”, says Au.

“Our newest safeguards are all about supporting real and genuine connections, empowering young people to make smart choices, and ensuring that every Snapchatter feels secure and confident while using our platform.”

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