NGL App Faces Ban on Marketing to Minors
Social messaging app NGL, known for its aggressive marketing tactics targeting younger smartphone users, has found itself in hot water with regulators. The Federal Trade Commission and the LA District Attorney’s Office have raised concerns about the app’s failure to address cyberbullying issues among its users.
Despite boasting a user base of over 200 million people, NGL has come under fire for allowing anonymous messaging and promoting risqué games like “never have I ever.” The app’s appeal to young people seeking a safe space for digital interactions has backfired, leading to complaints and subsequent investigations.
The FTC recently imposed a ban on NGL’s future marketing efforts towards minors, marking a significant development in the regulation of social media platforms. The agency accused NGL’s parent company of deceptive marketing practices and unauthorized data collection from underage users.
In response to the FTC lawsuit, NGL has agreed to a million settlement and strict guidelines for user registration and data protection. The app must now verify users’ age and obtain parental consent for any data collection involving minors. Additionally, NGL is prohibited from misrepresenting the effectiveness of its cyberbullying filters.
These legal actions reflect a growing concern over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being. With the rise of cyberbullying and online harassment, regulators are taking steps to hold app makers accountable for their role in promoting safe digital environments.
As the debate over youth access to digital platforms continues, initiatives like Eton College’s ban on internet-connected phones for incoming students highlight the ongoing efforts to regulate technology use among young people. Whether these measures will have a lasting impact on digital behavior remains to be seen.
