The Federal Trade Commission (F.T.C.) has taken a significant step in protecting children online by barring an online service from serving users under the age of 18 for the first time. The app in question, NGL, was found to have violated child privacy and consumer protection laws, exposing young users to cyberbullying and other harmful activities.
NGL, which stands for “not gonna lie,” marketed itself as a safe space for teens with robust moderation practices. However, the F.T.C. discovered that the app engaged in deceptive practices, including sending fake messages to lure users and tricking them into paying for undisclosed information.
As a result, NGL has agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to compensate affected consumers, with an additional $500,000 civil penalty imposed by the Los Angeles District Attorney. Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly concerned about the safety of children online, with calls for health warning labels on social media for teenagers and children.
The F.T.C. is actively working to protect children online by examining apps and services that violate child privacy and consumer protection laws. The agency’s action against NGL sends a strong message to the tech industry about the importance of safeguarding young users.
Parents of children who have been harmed online and child safety groups have praised the F.T.C.’s actions. One mother, Kristin Bride, whose 16-year-old son tragically took his own life after being cyberbullied on anonymous messaging apps, filed a complaint against NGL and commended the agency for its investigation.
Overall, the F.T.C.’s decision to bar NGL from serving users under 18 underscores the importance of protecting children online and holding companies accountable for violating privacy and consumer protection laws.
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