 "Snapchat's SnapKidz update opens up app to those under 13")
The photo-sharing mobile app, Snapchat, has gained immense popularity with teenagers thanks to its self-destructing messaging abilities. The application notorious for sexting has added a toned down version of the app called SnapKidz for users who aren’t 13 as yet.
Snapchat, which has seen 200 million snaps being shared everyday, made tweaks to its iOS app that gives users under the age of 13 a completely different experience. The app allows youngsters to take snaps, draw and cartoon on them – locally.
Minimal features for kids under the age of 13
Snapchat added the ability to age-gate in its previous update where users were asked to fill in their birth date and those under the age of 13 were not allowed to proceed further. With this update, which pushes the app to version 5.0.1, users who are not in their teens will also be able to use the application. Those under 13 will be allowed access to basic features of Snapchat, such as the ability to click images and doodle on them, but they will not be allowed to send these images to their friends.
Even while SnapKidz kills the essence of Snapchat– photo swapping – this move will at least allow youngsters to sign up for the service as opposed to having the service slam its doors on them. This does not mean that the system is completely fool proof. Users below the age of 13 will still be able to lie about their age and manage to get access to the full version of the application.
Snapchat has made the SnapKidz feature available as a part of the iOS update. Users will not need to download a special app for kids to use. The service says that if all goes well, SnapKidz will be coming to Android soon. Snapchat has also updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to reflect SnapKidz. It has assured that these updates do not mean the service will be changing the way it handles user information.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
