Snapchat launches privacy-safe developer kit called Snap Kit
Snapchat has announced the launch of its much-awaited Snap Kit - a tool for third-party developers to integrate with Snapchat and its features. Among other things, major points to note include tight privacy and data-security controls, in addition to a whole new facet to Snapchat - shopping. Meanwhile, several companies have already adopted the Snap Kit. Here are the details.
What the Snap Kit offers to developers
Rumors about Snap Kit had been in the air for a while, and now that it has finally launched, let's take a look at what's being offered. The Snap Kit namely has four 'Kits' - Story, Login, Creative, and Bitmoji - that allow third-party apps to integrate multiple features from Snapchat, like its camera, avatars, filters, etc., and allows brands to spread their labels.
The new functionalities offered by the four Kits
The Login Kit will allow Snapchat's users to log in to partner third-party apps using Snapchat credentials, much like how Google/Facebook credentials work on third-party websites/apps. The Bitmoji Kit will allow the use of Snapchat bitmojis in other apps, while the Story Kit will make Snapchat stories embeddable in other apps. Finally, the Creative Kit will bring third-party features like new filters to Snapchat.
How exactly will e-commerce function via Snapchat?
Third-party app integration will enable brands to share referral links and/or stickers which redirect to their app/website. Snapchat users can then log in to those retailers' sites using their Snapchat credentials and avail products.
Snapchat has taken considerable measures to ensure privacy and security
Snapchat's claims of privacy and security in the new update are particularly important, considering recent data misuse scandals. Snapchat's safety and customer operations team will, for now, till the process is automated, vet all third-party access to keep out dubious apps. Additionally, Snapchat will also remove third-party apps' access if unused for 90 days, and will reportedly not use data for ad targeting.
Snapchat claims that no user-identifiable info will be shared
Snapchat also confirmed that no "user-identifiable information, such as demographic information or friends list(s)" would be shared with developers, even if Snapchat users use their Snapchat credentials to log in. Only display and Bitmoji avatars will be shared.
