Anonymous messaging app NGL, short for “not gonna lie,” has become the first app to be banned for users under 18 in a historic move by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In a joint operation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, the FTC accused NGL Labs, creators of the app, of malicious marketing towards children, allowing cyberbullying, and deception in marketing NGL Pro, a premium weekly subscription.
“NGL marketed its app to kids and teens despite knowing that it was exposing them to cyberbullying and harassment. In light of NGL’s reckless disregard for kids’ safety, the FTC’s order would ban NGL from marketing or offering its app to those under 18. We will keep cracking down on businesses that unlawfully exploit kids for profit,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a news release.
Deceptive Marketing Practices
Along with neglect in filtering sensitive content and language, the promotion of the premium subscription, NGL Pro, was called a “bait-and-switch tactic” by the FTC and the LA DA’s office. Users of the app weren’t made aware that the $9.99 subscription was a recurring weekly charge, a direct violation of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act. Companies are required to obtain consent and fully disclose the terms of transactions to users of any given subscription under the Act’s requirement.
App co-founders Raj Vir and Joao Figueiredo settled the lawsuit on Tuesday. Along with a $2 million settlement payout, an implementation of age restriction will now be taking effect. In an email statement, co-founder Figueiredo said, “After nearly two years of cooperating with the FTC’s investigation, we view this resolution as an opportunity to make NGL better than ever for our users and we think the agreement is in our best interest.”
Concerns Over App Safety
Movieguide® previously reported on the importance of making an app’s age rating clear:
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) “documented dangers and risky features on apps such as easy exposure to and connections with adults (and therefore predators), pornography other sexually explicit content, illegal drug activity, and potential financial sextortion are not included in the current app descriptions.”
In a letter to the tech giant, NCOSE explained, “Apple tells caregivers they ‘should never have to worry about inappropriate content’ in the App Store, and stresses that its age-rating system is there ‘so parents can determine what is appropriate for their children.’ Sadly, the App Store’s age-ratings don’t deliver on that promise.”
This ban marks the hope that “a clear message that deceptive practices and targeting vulnerable populations will not be tolerated,” said Los Angeles County DA George Gascón in a press release.