Snapchat Users Rebel Against New Fees for Memories Storage
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, Snapchat's parent company Snap announced in September that it would start charging users if they have more than five gigabytes worth of previously shared images and videos saved as Memories. The new fees have been met with outrage from users who feel the company is being greedy by charging for a service previously offered for free.
According to online reviews, many users are unhappy about the change, with some accusing the firm of "corporate greed." A one-star review on Google stated, "Half of my life is on this app and now they expect us to pay for it." Similar sentiments were echoed on social media platforms, where users have been sharing their discontent with the new fees.
The introduction of fees for Memories storage has led to online petitions being launched, with some calling the fee a "memory tax" that is "dystopian" and "ridiculous." According to BBC Technology, one user described the move as "a way for Snapchat to make money off people's memories."
Snapchat users have been storing old photos and videos on the app as Memories since its inception. The service allowed users to save their favorite moments from past conversations, creating a digital archive of their interactions. However, with the introduction of new fees, users who exceed the five-gigabyte limit will be charged for storage.
According to Snap's announcement in September, the company plans to start charging users $0.25 per gigabyte for excess Memories storage. This move has been met with criticism from experts and users alike, who argue that it is unfair to charge users for storing their own memories.
In a statement, Snap explained that the decision to introduce fees was made to "ensure the long-term sustainability of our service." However, this explanation has not sat well with many users, who feel that the company should continue to offer Memories storage for free.
As the controversy surrounding Snapchat's new fees continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to user backlash. For now, users are advised to review their Memories storage and consider deleting excess content to avoid incurring additional charges.
The introduction of fees for Memories storage marks a significant shift in Snapchat's business model, one that has been met with resistance from users who feel that it is unfair to charge them for storing their own memories. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Snapchat's decision to introduce fees has sparked a heated discussion about corporate responsibility and user rights.
Sources:
BBC Technology
Snap's official announcement in September
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.
