FTC Opens a Backdoor Route to Age Verification on Social Media

I recently learned about the app NGL, which seems to be quite popular among teenagers. Bark, the maker of parental content-monitoring software, refers to NGL as “a recipe for drama” and cyberbullying. However, it functions like a standard social media platform, allowing users to post questions or prompts and receive anonymous responses.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has now mandated that NGL ban users under the age of 18.

That Slippery Slope Again

The FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office have accused NGL of unfairly marketing the app to minors. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stated that NGL exposed children and teens to cyberbullying and harassment.

To resolve the lawsuit, the FTC is making NGL pay $5 million and imposing a ban on users under 18 from accessing the app.

This development raises concerns as it involves an administrative agency dictating age restrictions on social media use, bypassing parental and legislative authority.

While NGL is not required to verify IDs, it must implement an age gate to prevent users under 18 from using the app, as per the FTC’s press release.

This sets a precedent for the FTC to potentially enforce stricter age verification measures in the future.

The FTC’s Case Against NGL Is Littered With Anti-Tech Tropes

The FTC’s claims against NGL, including allegations of misleading AI content moderation and deceptive subscription practices, are disputed by the company.

The FTC’s focus on the potential for cyberbullying on the app reflects a common anti-tech narrative used by authorities to justify regulatory actions.

While NGL may not have been transparent, the FTC’s approach exhibits bias and moral panic regarding technology use among young people.

A ‘Novel’ Case

FTC Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson acknowledges that the FTC’s actions against NGL are unique and based on a “novel theory” that marketing an anonymous messaging app to minors is harmful.

While Ferguson agrees with the complaint, he clarifies that it does not mean all anonymous messaging apps marketed to teenagers are in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Despite Ferguson’s distinction, the case raises concerns about government overreach and anti-tech sentiments.

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