Why Snapchat content spreads quickly

Snaps and Stories self destruct, which gives the false impression of ephemerality. Recipients can screen record before content expires, and these recordings are then distributed elsewhere as if the original was permanent.

Singapore legal framework

Penal Code (revised) section 377BB (voyeurism) and 377BC (distribution of voyeuristic image or recording), inserted by the Criminal Law Reform Act 2019. Section 377BB: up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or caning. Section 377BC: up to 5 years imprisonment, fine, or caning.

The civil erasure right under Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act is enforceable against Snapchat regardless of where Snapchat processes the data, where the data subject is in Singapore.

Snapchat removal route

Snapchat accepts NCII reports through its in app reporting flow. The Spotlight and Public Profile reporting categories are processed faster than Story or Snap report categories.

Snap Inc is a covered platform under 47 USC 223a. The platform's age skew toward minors means NCMEC and FBI involvement for any underage related case substantially accelerates platform response.

Evidence preservation specific to Snapchat

Snap content is ephemeral, so capture immediately. Snapchat retains server side copies and metadata for 30 days which supports law enforcement subpoenas through the Snapchat Law Enforcement Operations team.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Capture evidence from Snapchat

    Snap content is ephemeral, so capture immediately. Snapchat retains server side copies and metadata for 30 days which supports law enforcement subpoenas through the Snapchat Law Enforcement Operations team.

  2. 2

    File Penal Code sections 377BB and 377BC criminal complaint

    Report to local police or national cybercrime unit. SHE Singapore can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act erasure request to Snapchat

    Snapchat accepts NCII reports through its in app reporting flow. The Spotlight and Public Profile reporting categories are processed faster than Story or Snap report categories. The request must identify the URLs and cite the legal basis. PDPC accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every other hosting location

    Content rarely stays on one platform. ScanErase identifies every current location in a single scan including mirrored copies and AI generated variants of the same image.

  5. 5

    Dispatch parallel TAKE IT DOWN Act notice to Snapchat

    Snapchat is a covered platform with a 48 hour federal removal obligation. ScanErase files the notice within 5 minutes of authorisation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Snapchat be required to remove intimate images of a Singapore resident?

Yes. Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act gives any data subject in Singapore the right to require erasure. Snapchat operates a dedicated NCII removal portal that processes these requests. Where Snapchat is also subject to US jurisdiction, the TAKE IT DOWN Act adds a 48 hour federal obligation.

What is the criminal exposure of the person who posted to Snapchat from Singapore?

Penal Code (revised) section 377BB (voyeurism) and 377BC (distribution of voyeuristic image or recording), inserted by the Criminal Law Reform Act 2019. Section 377BB: up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or caning. Section 377BC: up to 5 years imprisonment, fine, or caning.

How does Snapchat verify a Singapore erasure request?

Snapchat accepts NCII reports through its in app reporting flow. The Spotlight and Public Profile reporting categories are processed faster than Story or Snap report categories. PDPC can be petitioned if Snapchat fails to act within the statutory window.

Can the Singapore regulator force Snapchat to remove content?

The Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2022 empowers IMDA to issue directions to social media services to disable access to egregious content including non consensual intimate images.

What evidence should I capture from Snapchat?

Snap content is ephemeral, so capture immediately. Snapchat retains server side copies and metadata for 30 days which supports law enforcement subpoenas through the Snapchat Law Enforcement Operations team.

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