FTC bans NGL: ask me anything app for teen use [Video]

Anonymous messaging apps like NGL: ask me anything are attractive to curious teens eager to share unfiltered opinions or hear candid confessions from their peers.

But a new order from the Federal Trade Commission highlights how such apps can be weaponized against teen users through bullying, harassment, and deception. Often marketed as free, the apps can impose a different cost, taking a toll on users’ mental health.

NGL, an abbreviation of the phrase “not gonna lie,” knew about these and other harms, according to the FTC. On Tuesday, July 9, the agency announced that it had banned NGL labs from offering or marketing anonymous messaging apps to teens under the age of 18. It marks the first time the agency has ordered such a ban.

“NGL marketed its app to kids and teens despite knowing that it was exposing them to cyberbullying and harassment,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan in a statement. “In light of NGL’s reckless disregard …