Last week, the smartphone application “Snapchat” that allows users to send short-lived photos and videos to friends, reported that it was hacked, exposing millions of phone numbers and user names.
The company released a statement in a blog post, according to CNN, saying it plans to update the app’s security. To do so, the company stated it will permit users to opt out of the “Find Friends” feature that uses an individual’s phone number to identify potential connections. Internal restrictions will also be added making it more difficult for hackers to access user accounts.
CNN reports that the 4.6 million compromised phone numbers were posted to SnapchatDB.info with the last two digits redacted.
Today, reports by CNET and other media outlets also confirmed that Snapchat has hired a political lobbying firm, Heather Podesta & Partners in Washington, D.C., to promote favorable policies on Capital Hill. According to CNET:
Podesta’s firm will focus on digital and online protection issues and ‘educating policymakers regarding the application’s operation and practice.’
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