What are Disappearing Messages?
Disappearing messages are text, video, or audio messages that disappear either after they have been viewed or after a defined time frame.
Messaging services such as Snapchat, Messenger, and WhatsApp have adapted their functionality to include disappearing messages.
It is important to remember that the recipient of a disappearing message is still able to take a screenshot or download a third-party app which captures the image, without the sender’s knowledge. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is not to send anything you wouldn’t want to be shared.Secret Messages
Secret messages rely on encryption.
Some services provide encryption to add an extra layer of security to messages, such as Facebook Messenger secret conversations. Developed initially to provide a secure way of transferring confidential data such as bank information, encryption has been manipulated by users as a way to send inappropriate messages, pictures, and videos secretly.
Talking to Young People About Anonymous and Disappearing Messaging
- It is important that parents, carers, and teachers talk to children about the sites they use, but especially when it comes to anonymous messaging.
- Teach young people about empathy to help them understand how it would feel if they were receiving abuse from an anonymous user online or had a rumour started about them.
- Decreased self-esteem and cyber-bullying have been closely linked to the use of anonymous and disappearing messaging Apps. We advise discouraging young people from using these apps to protect them.
- Talk about the potential dangers of giving out personal information to strangers.
- It is important to reiterate that even with 'disappearing' messages, these can be saved via screen recording or through third-party apps.
Key Risks include:
- Children and young people may use disappearing messages to share intimate messages, photos, or videos with the misconception that they will not be permanent.
- This feature adds complexity for law enforcement to capture evidence of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Disappearing messages may be used to discuss illegal activity such as drugs between young people.
- This feature may facilitate peer on peer abuse among children and young people, who consider there to be a low risk of getting caught.