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Russia uses messaging apps to recruit terrorists, Ukraine's police says
AppWizard
February 12, 2025

Russia uses messaging apps to recruit terrorists, Ukraine’s police says

Russian intelligence agencies are using digital platforms to recruit Ukrainian citizens for terrorism, targeting vulnerable individuals such as the young, unemployed, and those with antisocial lifestyles. Many recruits face death or imprisonment instead of receiving promised payments. Ukrainian authorities have recorded nine attempted terrorist attacks this year, believed to be orchestrated by Russian intelligence, aiming to destabilize Ukraine and undermine public trust in its security. Telegram is a favored platform for Russian operatives to recruit individuals for disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. Additionally, a recent espionage initiative recruited Ukrainian teenagers under the guise of “quest games” to gather intelligence for Russian forces. In September, a local individual was arrested for setting up surveillance cameras for Russian intelligence, having been recruited via Telegram with promises of easy money.
Anonymous messaging apps can harm children. Here's how feds and LA prosecutors stopped NGL
AppWizard
August 28, 2024

Anonymous messaging apps can harm children. Here’s how feds and LA prosecutors stopped NGL

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prohibited the anonymous messaging app NGL from hosting users under 18 due to serious allegations regarding its marketing practices and safety measures for minors. NGL, launched in 2021, was marketed as a “safe space for teens” but reportedly targeted minors, failed to protect them from cyberbullying, and made false claims about its AI content moderation. The app generated fake messages for publicity, misled users into subscribing to NGL Pro, and did not obtain verifiable parental consent for data collection from users under 13, violating COPPA. As a result, NGL has been ordered to pay a million-dollar settlement and must reform its practices, including eliminating misleading representations, ensuring informed consent for subscription charges, and implementing age verification measures.
FTC Cracks Down On NGL Messaging App Over Alleged Stealth Marketing, AI Falsehoods
AppWizard
July 15, 2024

FTC Cracks Down On NGL Messaging App Over Alleged Stealth Marketing, AI Falsehoods

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against NGL Labs, a California-based company, for unfairly marketing to minors, overstating its efforts to protect users from cyberbullying, sending fake messages to trick users into signing up for paid subscriptions, violating laws around collecting personal data of children under 13, and failing to comply with COPPA privacy protections.
Anonymous messaging app allegedly sent 'fake' messages, exposed kids to 'cyberbullying'
AppWizard
July 10, 2024

Anonymous messaging app allegedly sent ‘fake’ messages, exposed kids to ‘cyberbullying’

NGL Labs has settled with the Federal Trade Commission for a million dollars due to various law violations related to their anonymous messaging app, "NGL: ask me anything." The app was accused of sending fake messages to users, including intrusive questions and statements, in order to increase user engagement. As part of the settlement, NGL Labs is prohibited from marketing to individuals under the age of 18.
FTC Bans Popular Anonymous Messaging App NGL From Serving Minors In First-Of-Its-Kind Move
AppWizard
July 10, 2024

FTC Bans Popular Anonymous Messaging App NGL From Serving Minors In First-Of-Its-Kind Move

The lawsuit from the FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office revealed that NGL Labs marketed the NGL app to children and teens, misled users into purchasing premium accounts, and made false claims about their AI moderation tool. The app sent fake messages to users to encourage them to pay for premium services, but no names were revealed after purchase. The FTC banned NGL from serving minors, the first of its kind, potentially leading to further regulations. The app claims to have at least 200 million global downloads. FTC chair Lina Khan aims to regulate companies using AI without mass exploitation of users. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the severe consequences of cyberbullying among teens facilitated by the app.
FTC bans anonymous messaging app NGL from allowing users under 18
AppWizard
July 10, 2024

FTC bans anonymous messaging app NGL from allowing users under 18

The FTC banned the NGL app from serving users under 18 due to unfair marketing practices, false claims about content moderation, and deceptive business practices related to its premium subscription plan. NGL Labs, the parent company, and the app co-founders reached a settlement with the FTC and the Los Angeles DA's office, agreeing to pay a fine and implement an age restriction on the app.
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