Snapchat is a massively popular multimedia messaging app.
It has revolutionized sending photos and videos in a click at no additional expense like texting does not require an extra fee.
However, when dealing with multimedia, it is difficult for app developers to regulate the kind of content being shared on the app.
Therefore, it allows users to report snaps and accounts to keep the platform safe.
There are two possible outcomes after your Snapchat account or content gets reported. First, if the report is found false by the moderators, the report is dismissed, and you can continue using your account as usual. However, on the other hand, if the report is inspected and found to infringe the app’s guidelines, the account can be deleted or suspended.
Snapchat makes sharing multimedia easier, but it adds responsibility for users to abide by the community guidelines. This article covers reporting content and accounts on Snapchat and what happens when your account is reported.
What Can Be Reported?
The reporting procedure is pretty uncomplicated.
Anything on the app can be reported. It can range from snaps, videos, lenses, a story, or advertisements.
The account from which such content has been uploaded can also be reported.
Identifying the Cause for Getting Reported
Snapchat allows complete creative freedom to users to send whatever they please as long as they do not infringe the community guidelines or another entity’s rights. Their policy lists the following kinds of content as the basis for reporting.
- Sexually explicit content
- Harassment and bullying
- Threats, violence, and harm
- Deceptive practices and false information
- Impersonation
- Illegal content
- Criminal Activity involving drugs and weapons
- Promotion of tobacco and alcohol
- Terrorism, hate groups
- Hate speech
However, these are not the only content that can be reported. Any content or account can be reported, and any of the reasons mentioned above can be stated.
Modes of Reporting
Reporting an account can be done through the app or on the website.
Reports made on the app are the easiest way to proceed as most content on the platform comes with an option to report it, be it an account or the content posted by an account.
The Snapchat support website is the alternative if you cannot access the app or report the content/user.
To report on the website, you can follow the below-stated steps:
- Go to the Snapchat support website.
- Report a safety concern by selecting “My Account is Compromised.”
- Select your problem from the “What can we help you with?” option. Also, select an option from the “Oh no! Tell us more…” section.
Result of Getting Reported
Reporting media or an account does not immediately result in it getting taken down.
If this were the case, more accounts would be deleted than used per day.
Here is what happens when your content or account gets reported on Snapchat.
Result #1: Verification by Moderators
Once a report is made against content or a user, the moderators receive the report and look into it.
If the report is accurate and found to be violating the app’s guidelines, further action is taken.
Often, reports do not qualify as violations and continue to exist on the platform.
Result #2: Receipt of Notification
The reported user gets notified through a notification from the app. The notification also states the reason behind pulling down content or why their account has been reported.
It is a common practice on most social networking platforms. However, the notification does not contain the name of the account that has made the report.
Result #3: Response Period
After spotting a problem, Snapchat allows users to make a claim denying the report, which leads to further involvement of the platform’s moderators.
Result #4: Deleting or Pulling Down Content
If the moderators find the user’s response dissatisfactory, they delete the content from the platform.
If your account has been reported and found to violate Snapchat’s policies, it may be suspended or deleted, depending on the severity of the case.
Usually, reports made on the website are resolved sooner than those made through the app.
Conclusion
If your Snapchat account or content has been reported and it violates Snapchat’s policy, you will be notified to update the content.
The reason is also stated in the notification. If you find the report false, you can claim the same and prevent your account from being suspended or deleted.
However, if your account violates some guidelines and is deleted, you can create a new account using a new email address and start afresh.
FAQs
Snapchat sends reported accounts a notification stating that a report has been filed against their account for violating specific policy guidelines.
Once a report is sent, it reaches the moderators of Snapchat. The app states in its policy that they aim to resolve each report within 24 hours and has a team of moderators working on settling reports 24/7.
If the report is authentic and the account is found to violate guidelines, then one report is enough to suspend or delete an account. However, if multiple reports are made for the same account, the team may look into the matter sooner as it may be a spam account or a critical problem.
Depending on the severity of the violation, reported Snapchat accounts are either suspended or deleted permanently.
