Listen to the article
Snapchat “Forward to 20 People” Message Confirmed as Hoax
A viral message circulating among Snapchat users claiming that accounts will be deleted unless users forward a warning to twenty people within two hours has been confirmed as a hoax. Despite its widespread circulation, there is no evidence of any such requirement from Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc.
The fabricated message warns users about supposed changes to Snapchat’s terms of service that would require mass-forwarding of messages to maintain account access. However, verification of Snap Inc.’s official channels reveals no such update has been made.
According to Snap Inc.’s website, the most recent update to the platform’s Terms of Service occurred on April 7, 2023, with no mention of any forwarding requirements or account deletion threats. The company’s Newsroom page similarly contains no announcements regarding terms of service changes, with its most recent post from October 16, 2023, focusing on “Lens Fest 2023,” a virtual event celebrating the platform’s augmented reality technology.
This type of viral hoax follows a familiar pattern seen across social media platforms for years. Chain messages that demand forwarding to avoid negative consequences – whether account deletion, bad luck, or other threats – have plagued digital communication since the early days of email and SMS texting.
Social media companies typically communicate policy changes through official channels, including direct notifications within apps, email communications to registered users, and announcements on their official websites and social media accounts. Major changes to terms of service are almost never communicated through user-to-user messages.
Cybersecurity experts recommend that users verify information through official company channels before forwarding such messages. The spread of misinformation, even when seemingly harmless, can create unnecessary anxiety among users and contribute to digital clutter that makes identifying genuine security threats more difficult.
For Snapchat specifically, users concerned about potential account issues or policy changes should visit the official Snap Inc. website or check notifications within the app itself. The company maintains a comprehensive help center where users can find accurate information about account security, privacy settings, and terms of service.
When contacted about the hoax, Snap Inc. had not yet provided an official comment at the time of publication. However, the company has previously addressed similar hoaxes by reminding users that official communications come through verified channels, not chain messages.
Social media users are advised to exercise critical thinking when encountering messages that demand immediate action or forwarding. Legitimate organizations rarely if ever require users to forward messages to maintain services, and claims of imminent account deletion without such action are almost universally false.
Verify This Yourself
Use these professional tools to fact-check and investigate claims independently
Reverse Image Search
Check if this image has been used elsewhere or in different contexts
Ask Our AI About This Claim
Get instant answers with web-powered AI analysis
Related Fact-Checks
See what other fact-checkers have said about similar claims
Want More Verification Tools?
Access our full suite of professional disinformation monitoring and investigation tools
15 Comments
Social media platforms have a responsibility to protect users from harmful misinformation. Kudos to Snapchat for quickly addressing this issue and setting the record straight.
It’s good to see Snapchat taking action against misinformation. These chain messages often cause unnecessary panic and spread like wildfire on social media. I’m glad the platform is setting the record straight.
This is a good reminder to always be cautious about unsolicited forwarding requests, even if they seem to come from a legitimate source. It’s better to err on the side of skepticism.
I appreciate Snapchat’s proactive approach in addressing this hoax. Transparency and clear communication from tech companies are crucial for maintaining user confidence.
Agreed. Keeping users informed and empowered to identify misinformation is a key part of platform responsibility.
While it’s concerning to see these types of hoaxes circulating, I appreciate Snapchat’s clear and direct response. Transparency is key in combating the spread of false information.
Glad to see Snapchat proactively addressing this hoax. Maintaining transparency and trust with users is crucial for social media platforms in the long run.
Agreed. Prompt action to debunk misinformation helps preserve the platform’s credibility and integrity.
I’m curious to know if Snapchat has implemented any new measures to detect and prevent the spread of similar hoaxes in the future. Proactive steps are important in this ongoing battle.
This serves as a good reminder to always double-check the source and veracity of any forwarded messages, even if they seem to come from a trusted platform. Misinformation can spread quickly online.
Viral hoaxes can be tricky to manage, but I’m glad Snapchat is taking a firm stance. Maintaining user trust should be a top priority for any social media platform.
Absolutely. Responsible platform governance is essential in the age of rampant misinformation.
Viral hoaxes like this are unfortunately all too common these days. It’s important for users to verify information from official sources before sharing or believing these types of messages.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and critical thinking are crucial skills in the digital age to avoid falling for misinformation.
Kudos to the Snapchat team for quickly debunking this hoax. Vigilance against the spread of misinformation is an ongoing challenge for social media platforms.