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Snapchat alternatives (and their users) vanish from Windows Phone

Snapchat warned that it was clamping down on third-party apps to prevent sketchier examples from compromising your security, and it appears to be making good on its word -- much to the chagrin of Windows Phone users, who haven't had an official Snapchat option so far. Windows Central notes that 6snap and other titles that replicated the disappearing message service have abruptly vanished from the Windows Phone Store. Moreover, some users say that Snapchat is following through on warnings that it would permanently lock the accounts of those who kept using unofficial software. If you're in that boat, you now have to start fresh if you want to chat with friends.

We've reached out to Snapchat to verify its involvement in the removals. Whatever happened, this doesn't necessarily represent the end of alternative clients. Snapchat has hinted at working on a development kit that would let third parties build substitutes without introducing security headaches. It's not yet clear when that kit might be available, though, so you may have to be patient if you can't (or just don't want to) use Snapchat's in-house offerings.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong]