As many as 200,000 estimated photos and videos have reportedly been stolen from users of the popular mobile app Snapchat. Snapchat is an app that allows users to send photos and videos to other users who are deemed as “friends”. To the respective user’s discretion, the photos and videos shared “disappear”, therefore, viewers who once saw a particular “snap” are no longer allowed to view it days after it’s initial sharing…….or so they thought!
Like the various iCloud hackings and data breachings, Snapchat isn’t 100% full-proof (frankly, nothing connected to the Internet is). As a result, the data being shared over this medium is just as volatile and capable of being hacked. According to reports, Snapchat has made claims that this hacking was a result of users’ acceptance of “third-party” apps and not from the servers of Snapchat.
While this statement might very well be true, other officials are still criticizing the popular app for it’s seemingly assumed tight-knit security.
[BBC Excerpt]
–“For them to just turn round and say, ‘It’s the users’ fault,’ does seem harsh,” said Mark James, a security specialist from ESET.
“They give the perception it is safe, they need to make it safe. They need to crack down on people’s ability to access their data.”–
While many people may agree with security specialist Mark James, we have to disagree. This isn’t the first data breach and definitely won’t be the last. Media users who share personal photos and videos have to take responsibility in knowing that their “private data” isn’t as private as they may think. Unless people start to take responsibility for their own actions these leaked photo frenzies will continue to happen regardless of the irrelevant “blame game” victims want to play.
Now, if these users simply do not care if their photos leak over the web, then that’s a whole ‘nother story. And honestly, more power to them. Clearly, there’s no such thing as bad press, just ask Kim Kardashian. These are simply the times we live in; welcome to the 21st Century!
Product Of Society 