Snapchat

"This also includes device information (such as your hardware or software, operating system, device memory, advertising identifiers, apps installed, browser type, information from device sensors that measure the motion of your device or compasses and microphones, including whether you have headphones connected, and information about your wireless and mobile connections)."

Snap collects extensive device data including installed apps, motion sensors, compass, microphone status, advertising identifiers, and wireless connection details — well beyond what a messaging app requires for core functionality.

"If you've explicitly granted device-level permissions, device information may also include information about your device phonebook (contacts and related information), images and other information from your device's camera, photos, and microphone, and location information (precise location through methods like GPS signals)."

Snap collects precise GPS location data and also uses IP-based geolocation by default. Location is used for personalization, ad targeting, Snap Map features, and is stored alongside saved content.

"We share your information with business and integrated partners in order to provide the Services. Through these integrations, you may be providing information to the integrated partner as well as to Snap. We are not responsible for how those partners collect or use your information."

Snap shares user data with service providers, business partners, integrated partners, anti-fraud partners, and affiliates — and disclaims responsibility for how integrated partners use the data they collect through Snap's platform.

"A note about information collected by cookies and other technologies: we may use these technologies to collect information when you interact with Services we offer through one of our partners. For example, we may use information collected on an advertiser's website to show you more relevant ads."

Snap tracks user activity across partner websites and services using cookies, pixels, and advertising identifiers, linking off-platform behavior to in-app ad targeting.

"We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. But when we do, we'll let you know one way or another. Sometimes, we'll let you know by revising the date at the top of the Privacy Policy that's available on our website and mobile application. Other times, we may provide you with additional notice (such as adding a statement to our websites' homepages or providing you with an in-app notification)."

Snap can change its privacy policy at any time with notice as minimal as updating the date on the policy page, with no requirement for user consent to the new terms.

"Although our systems are designed to delete some of your information automatically, we cannot promise that deletion will take place by a specific time. In some cases we need to comply with legal requirements to store your data which stops us from deleting your information. We may also keep certain information in backup for a limited period of time or as required by law."

Despite messaging around ephemeral content, Snap provides no guaranteed deletion timelines and retains data for vague 'legitimate purposes' including investigations, backups, and legal compliance with no defined end date.