Snapchat is known for various filters and geo tags that alter the appearance of photos and videos based on settings and location.
But some filters have users accusing the app of whitewashing -- or lightening the skin of -- users.
Snapchat uses technology to map the user's face to apply the filters correctly.
BuzzFeed News reported that users were sharing concerns about the filters altering their appearance on Twitter.
One of the filters in question places a flower crown on the user's head while appearing to lighten their skin tone.
Tolani Shoeye and Ellie Bate, two writers at BuzzFeed UK tried the filters for themselves.
"My skin looks flawless -- OK, a little lighter than my actual complexion, but still flawless -- and my makeup looks perfectly blended," Shoeye said. "I don’t know if I should be offended by the lighter skin filter, but I’m really not. I’m not really into how thin my nose looks, though."
"This is possibly the app’s most well-known 'pretty' filter," Bate said."While in this case, my skin isn’t white, it’s been unnaturally smoothed and made pinker, taking away its natural brown tone."
Yahoo Beauty photo editor Nadeen Nakib also used the filter and noticed a drastic change.
"I'm obviously so much lighter, my eyes are almost blue, and my nose looks slimmer," Nakib told Yahoo Beauty. "But I was like, 'Oh, I look so pretty.'"
Snapchat has declined to comment.
About the Author