Sharing Screenshots from Snapchat Could be Considered a Crime
 |
| The Independant |
When it comes to a service like Snapchat you do expect the pictures you send to be private unless you post them to your story. But in the past this hasn't stopped people from taking screenshots of snaps they've received and then sharing them in real life or online. According to UK culture minister Ed Vaizey this is actually breaking copyright law and people could be prosecuted.
People like Snapchat because of the privacy it affords and even though that doesn't necessarily make it a smart service to send intimate photos or images containing sensitive information, users do still have a right to privacy. People could argue that Snapchat is a social media service and that you should expect anything you post to be public or for people to not be able to complain if photos make their way online but they do. What these people don't seem to understand is that there is a difference between sharing something with a single person or a small group and posting it for everyone to see.
There has been a lot of arguments over this as many people think once they have the photo, it's technically saved on your system. But the data is inaccessible then and still private on your phone. Snapchat is supposed to tell users if someone has taken screenshots of their photo but for some reason this doesn't always work, which can lead to the wrong person getting their hands on the picture anyway.
This doesn't mean however that the moment you screenshot a photo, you'll be arrested. Users will have to file a complaint with the police and then they can look into it if necessary. The chances are that unless the snapshot being shared does affect your life in a serious way, it probably won't get looked into. However this should be a wake up call for anyone who does perhaps screenshot without thinking. If you just want to save a sweet message or a funny drawing forever then fine, screenshot it, but most of the time it probably is best to check if the other person minds you saving it first. Especially if it's something you plan to post online. You need to give them a chance to say no if they don't want others seeing that. Users should be careful what they snap according to Snapchat, if it's not something they want other people seeing then they shouldn't send it. That is maybe a little unfair as its punishing the victims rather than the perpetrators but it makes some sense.
If you do get prosecuted for snapshot then it will be taken as a copyright infringement offence. This could be punished by 10 years in prison or a £50,000 fine. Also, if you share intimate pictures that people don't want shared then there are a whole slew of other charges you could be done for too. So stop and think before you save and share. If an image was supposed to be private then leave it private otherwise you could be risking jail time.
Rosina is a Songbird rookie with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is hoping that Content Writing will turn out to be a good career choice in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Sharing Screenshots from Snapchat Could be Considered a Crime
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.