We all love a good Snapchat filter, especially those artistic versions that can instantly transform us into the Joker or give us watercolour tears.
But it turns out, these creative filters aren't exactly original to Snapchat. In fact, makeup artists are accusing the social media app of stealing their beauty looks to create said filters.
According to The Ringer, Snapchat has ripped off looks from makeup artists Argenis Pinal and Mykie without their permission.
"I came across it and I was like, 'Um, this is exactly the same drawing I did of myself a couple months ago," Pinal told the site of when he discovered his Joker face being used as a Snapchat filter one morning. "And it was weird, because I literally just reposted a picture of it a week ago on Instagram. Sort of a re-shout-out to it."
Pinal quickly expressed his frustrations via Instagram, posting a side-by-side of his original creation next to Snapchat's filter. According to The Ringer, he was then passed a Snapchat contact, but by 10 p.m. that night, the filter had already disappeared.
After seeing her watercolour tears makeup look on Snapchat, makeup artist Mykie also called out the social media app on Instagram, posting her own side-by-side images of the original look and the filter. Again, the filter quickly disappeared following her post.
And makeup artists aren't the only ones whose works are being "repurposed" on the app. Artist Lois van Baarle says her sketches were created into stickers on Snapchat.
"In total, three of my sketches were traced and used in the app. My fox sketches have been circulating on the web since I created them in 2013," Baarle told The Ringer. "I’m guessing they found it through a web search."
Since The Ringer's post was published, Snapchat released the following statement, somewhat admitting to the accusations:
"The creative process sometimes involves inspiration, but it should never result in copying. We have already implemented additional layers of review for all designs. Copying other artists isn’t something we will tolerate, and we’re taking appropriate action internally with those involved."
This isn't the first time Snapchat has come under fire for its filters. Back in May, they were accused of "whitewashing" due to their filters that lightened up skin tones.
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