The F.T.C. Takes Action Against NGL App
The Federal Trade Commission made history by prohibiting the app NGL from hosting minors, marking the first time the agency has taken such action against an online service.
The F.T.C. announced on Tuesday that it had reached a settlement with NGL Labs, the maker of the anonymous messaging app NGL, due to violations of child privacy and consumer protection laws. Despite marketing itself as a “safe space for teens” with strong moderation practices, the app exposed users to cyberbullying and other harmful activities.
As part of the settlement, NGL agreed to pay a .5 million settlement to affected consumers, in addition to a 0,000 civil penalty imposed by the Los Angeles District Attorney.
Concerns about the safety of children online have been growing, with calls for increased regulation and protection. The Surgeon General recently proposed a health warning label for social media aimed at teenagers and children, while lawmakers are debating the Kids Online Safety Act to enhance protections for young users.
The F.T.C. emphasized its commitment to safeguarding children online by investigating apps and services that violate child privacy and consumer protection laws. In the case of NGL, the agency found deceptive practices, including false claims about using artificial intelligence tools to prevent bullying and other harmful activities.
