Provision record
Snapchat · Snapchat Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

General Data Retention Rule

High severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 274 of 352 platforms

Key Facts

How long does Snapchat keep user information?
Snapchat keeps user information as long as the user directs, otherwise as long as needed to provide its Services, or as required by law.
When does Snapchat keep user information as long as needed to provide its Services?
Snapchat keeps user information as long as the user directs, otherwise as long as needed to provide its Services, or as required by law.
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This analysis describes what Snapchat's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

Retention is governed by three separate triggers—user instruction, operational need, and legal obligation—meaning data may persist beyond a user's preferences if law or operational need requires it.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
5
Months Monitored
Jul 10, 2026
First Seen
Jul 10, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 1629 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Your information may be retained by Snapchat beyond what you direct if Snapchat needs it to provide its Services or is required to keep it by law.

How other platforms handle this

Palantir Medium

We collect and keep personal data only as needed or allowed for the purposes set out in this Statement, based on the reason we collected the personal data in the first instance and what is permitted under the laws that apply to the processing.

Affirm Medium

Affirm will retain your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.

Mistral AI Medium

Mistral AI shall retain the Customer Exportable Data and Assets for a period of thirty (30) days from the earlier between (a) the expiration of the Transitional Period or (b) Customer's notification under Section 2.2.2 (b) of these Additional Terms.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
we keep information as long as you tell us to, and otherwise as long as we need it to provide our Services, or as required by law.

Excerpt from Snapchat's Privacy Policy

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
UK GDPR
United Kingdom

Provision details

Document information
Document
Snapchat Privacy Policy
Entity
Snapchat
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 10, 2026
Last verified
May 10, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-024539
Document ID
CA-D-00102
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
a616132c9be52e54b3ade183f71c87a884292fe0724d7a8941dbf2a56761b5a4
Analysis generated
May 10, 2026 14:35 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Snapchat
Document: Snapchat Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-024539
Captured: 2026-05-10 14:35:50 UTC
SHA-256: a616132c9be52e54…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/snapchat/snapchat-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-024539/general-data-retention-rule/
Accessed: Aug. 18, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Snapchat's General Data Retention Rule clause do?

Retention is governed by three separate triggers—user instruction, operational need, and legal obligation—meaning data may persist beyond a user's preferences if law or operational need requires it.

How does this clause affect you?

Your information may be retained by Snapchat beyond what you direct if Snapchat needs it to provide its Services or is required to keep it by law.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 274 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Snapchat?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Snapchat.