FTC Targets NGL Anonymous Messaging App Over Teen Privacy Concerns

July 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an investigation into the popular anonymous messaging app NGL, alleging that it has violated federal privacy laws by failing to protect the personal information of teenage users.

Allegations Against NGL

The FTC alleges that NGL has:

Collected personal information from users, including their phone numbers, email addresses, and device identifiers, without their explicit consent.
Shared this information with third parties, including advertisers and data brokers, without users' knowledge or consent.
Failed to implement adequate security measures to protect users' data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Potential Violations of Federal Law

The FTC's investigation alleges that NGL's actions violate the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits companies from collecting personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent.

The FTC also alleges that NGL violated the Fair Information Practice Principles, which require companies to take reasonable steps to protect the privacy and security of personal information they collect.

Privacy Risks for Teen Users

The FTC's concerns stem from the privacy risks associated with anonymous messaging apps like NGL. These apps allow users to send and receive messages without disclosing their identities, which can make them attractive to teenagers who may feel uncomfortable sharing their personal information online.

However, anonymous messaging apps also create opportunities for cyberbullying, harassment, and other forms of online abuse. Teenagers may be particularly vulnerable to these risks because they are less likely to recognize and report inappropriate behavior.

FTC Investigation and Enforcement Actions

The FTC's investigation is ongoing, but it has already taken steps to enforce its privacy protections for children. In 2019, the FTC fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating COPPA.

If the FTC finds that NGL has violated federal privacy laws, it may impose a variety of penalties, including fines, injunctions, or corrective action orders.

NGL's Response

NGL has not publicly commented on the FTC's investigation. However, the company has previously stated that it is committed to protecting the privacy of its users.

Conclusion

The FTC's investigation into NGL highlights the importance of protecting children's privacy online. Parents and educators should be aware of the risks associated with anonymous messaging apps and take steps to safeguard their children's personal information.

Companies that collect personal information from children must comply with federal privacy laws and implement robust security measures to protect their users' data.