NGL — anonymous messaging app banned from serving minors (FTC 2024)
Severity: High
What it is
NGL is an anonymous Q&A and messaging app that lets users send and receive anonymous messages, often linked from Instagram. It was marketed heavily to teens and claimed to use "world-class AI" to filter bullying—but the FTC found cyberbullying was rampant and the filters didn't work. In July 2024 the FTC and LA District Attorney banned NGL from serving users under 18 and required millions in refunds.
Why it's dangerous
Anonymous messages are used for bullying, slurs, and harassment with little accountability. The app falsely promised paid "hints" would reveal senders—they didn't. The FTC documented cases where users reported friends considering suicide after experiences on NGL. The app also violated COPPA by collecting data from under-13s without parental consent.
Which kids are affected
Teens and tweens, especially 13–17. The app was marketed to "popular girls on high school cheer pages" on Instagram. Over 200 million users before the ban; many were minors.
What parents should do today
- Check if NGL (or similar anonymous Q&A apps) is on your child's device or linked from their Instagram bio; remove or unlink if present.
- Talk with your child about why anonymous apps make bullying easier and that 'hints' or paid features often don't reveal who sent hurtful messages.
- If they've been harassed on NGL, save screenshots and report to the platform; for serious harm, contact NCMEC or local law enforcement.