Photo-editing platform PicsArt is facing backlash over alleged GDPR non-compliance and deceptive monetization tactics. Users across the EU report that PicsArt not only ignores or delays account deletion requests under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but also misleads new users with false “free service” claims that are later locked behind a paywall.
GDPR and the Right to Erasure
The GDPR guarantees users the “right to erasure” — allowing anyone within the EU to request complete deletion of their personal data. Companies are required to comply promptly, ensuring that all stored information, including photos, personal identifiers, and activity logs, is permanently removed unless a lawful reason for retention exists.
Failure to honor this right can result in severe consequences, including fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover.
Users Report Being Misled by “Free” Tools
Many users claim that PicsArt markets its services as free, only for them to discover that 95% of its features are locked behind a coin-based paywall.
The process begins with PicsArt requiring users to create an account before accessing its tools. Once registered, however, users encounter a sudden paywall that limits functionality unless they purchase in-app coins or subscriptions.
This bait-and-switch model has sparked outrage among users who feel trapped in a system that forces account creation — effectively giving PicsArt access to personal data — before revealing the true cost of its services.
Support Complaints Add Fuel to the Fire
Users have also expressed frustration with PicsArt’s customer support, describing it as slow, unhelpful, and filled with copy-paste responses. The company allegedly fails to meet its own response deadlines, often leaving cases unresolved for weeks.
Some users have even gone so far as to describe the experience as “outsourced, robotic support that smells its own farts all day,” emphasizing the lack of genuine communication or problem-solving from the team.
Such poor handling of user inquiries — especially regarding GDPR-related requests — further damages PicsArt’s credibility and raises questions about its data management practices.
Data Deletion Failures Under Scrutiny
Despite providing a “Delete Profile” option in its app and website, users claim their accounts remain visible or recoverable even after deletion requests. Some report that personal data, including images and activity logs, persist long after deletion confirmation, a direct violation of GDPR’s data erasure requirements.
This alleged mishandling of user data could open PicsArt to formal investigations by European data protection authorities such as the EDPB, CNIL, or ICO, potentially leading to significant legal penalties.
What Users Can Do
For those affected, data protection experts recommend:
- Submitting a formal GDPR deletion request via PicsArt’s privacy contact channels.
- Keeping detailed records of all correspondence and screenshots of failed deletion attempts.
- Filing an official complaint with their national Data Protection Authority if PicsArt fails to act within 30 days.
A Growing Controversy
Between ignored GDPR requests, false “free” marketing tactics, and unresponsive outsourced support, PicsArt is rapidly losing trust among its European user base.
If these allegations are verified, the company may face not only steep fines but also long-term reputational damage — reinforcing the ongoing debate about how tech companies handle privacy, transparency, and user rights in the modern digital age.
