The Federal Trade Commission has taken a significant step by prohibiting an online service from catering to users under the age of 18 for the first time. The app in question, NGL, was found to have breached child privacy and consumer protection laws, resulting in harm to children and teenagers.
Details of the Settlement
The F.T.C. announced a settlement with NGL Labs, the maker of the NGL app, for violations related to privacy and consumer protection. Despite marketing itself as a secure platform for teens with strong moderation measures, the app exposed users to cyberbullying and other risks.
NGL Labs, commonly known for the acronym “not gonna lie,” has agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to compensate affected consumers. Additionally, the Los Angeles District Attorney imposed a $500,000 civil penalty on NGL as part of the settlement.
Concerns for Children’s Online Safety
There is a growing concern among lawmakers and regulators regarding the safety of children on the internet. Recently, the Surgeon General proposed a health warning label for social media aimed at teenagers and children. Lawmakers are also debating the Kids Online Safety Act, a legislative proposal to enhance protections for young users on digital platforms.
F.T.C.’s Actions to Protect Children Online
The F.T.C. is actively working to safeguard children online by scrutinizing apps and services that violate laws related to child privacy and consumer protection. In the case of NGL, the agency uncovered deceptive practices, including false claims about using artificial intelligence to prevent online bullying and harmful activities.
