Is VSCO Safe?

If you use or plan to use VSCO, you need to know: Is VSCO safe? 

Below, we explain whether VSCO is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is VSCO?

VSCO is a photography and photo-editing app that allows users to capture, edit, and share images. It’s especially popular for its wide range of high-quality photo filters and editing tools that enable users to create aesthetically pleasing images with a distinctive look. 

VSCO also functions as a social media platform, but it focuses on creativity and visual expression rather than traditional social networking features like likes or comments. The app includes a “Discover” section where users can explore curated content from other creators, find inspiration, and follow other users whose work they admire.

VSCO offers a premium subscription service that gives users access to additional presets, advanced editing tools, and video editing features. This membership also includes exclusive content, tutorials, and challenges.

Is VSCO Safe?

VSCO is considered a relatively safe and secure platform, particularly because of its emphasis on creativity over social validation and its limited social interaction features. 

There’s a reduced risk of cyberbullying while using VSCO compared to some other apps due to the absence of public comments and likes (although users can still be subject to harassment through direct messages). 

The platform prohibits harmful or inappropriate content, and users can report content that violates these guidelines.

No major data breaches were associated with VSCO at the time of writing.

Is VSCO Private?

No, VSCO is not private.

This is because it does not allow users to set up private profiles or accounts. Anything you post on your VSCO account is public, i.e., viewable by anyone.

In its privacy policy, VSCO outlines the kind of data it collects, how it uses it, and whom it shares it with. Among the parties VSCO might share your data with are “Advertising partners and intermediaries.” 

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, hasn’t graded VSCO yet. However, it notes the following as potential concerns:

• VSCO can read private messages. 
• VSCO can hold onto content you’ve deleted. 
• VCO shares your personal data with third parties that are non-essential to its operation.

On the bright side, ToS;DR says that VSCO provides information about how it collects data and keeps the data retention period to a minimum necessary for fulfilling its purposes. 

The Common Sense Privacy Program, which looks at internet services from the perspective of kids’ privacy, gives VSCO’s privacy policy a score of 55% (out of 100%). 

The concerns listed include the following: It is unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties, personal information is shared for third-party marketing, third parties collect data for their own purposes, and data profiles are created and used for personalized ads.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On VSCO

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using VSCO. 

• Review your followers. Regularly check your followers and block anyone you don’t want to have access to your content.
• Control post visibility. Before posting, be mindful of what you’re sharing. Avoid posting sensitive or personal information.
• Avoid sharing location. Be cautious about sharing personal details in your photos.
• Use strong passwords. Ensure your VSCO account has a strong, unique password to protect against unauthorized access.
• Review permissions. Check the app permissions on your device to ensure VSCO only has access to what it needs. 
• Regularly check privacy policy. Keep an eye on VSCO’s privacy policy for any updates or changes that might affect your data.