Anonymous messaging app NGL was acquired by ‘EarnPhone’ startup Mode Mobile

An anonymous messaging app NGL he announced On Friday it has been acquired by Mode Mobile, a premium smartphone company that makes money by flooding users with sales.

NGL quickly climbed the App Store charts after its launch in late 2021, joining the ranks of similar programs popular among young people that allows users to send and receive anonymous questions and messages. But it has been in dispute for a long time.

Anonymous messaging apps are problematic because they can encourage bullying among young people – Snapchat prohibited third-party apps like NGL, LMK, Sendit, and YOLO from its platform in 2022 after a parent sued the company over the suicide of their teenage son.

NGL has also come under fire for its stealthy growth tactics, such as sending fake messages to users that appear to be from real people but were created by the app. Some users were tricked into paying $9.99 a month to identify the senders of the messages, which were fake.

After a two-year investigation, the FTC he announced in 2024 to ban NGL from broadcasting its programming to children – one of its most powerful measures to protect children from harmful content on television.

“NGL’s baiting process caused many consumers to complain, which NGL officials laughed off, dismissing users as ‘suckers,'” the FTC said in a statement at the time. NGL paid a $5 million fine to the FTC and complied with its demands.

The two founders of NGL, Raj Vir and João Figueiredo, are leaving the program, according to Business Insider. The remaining three parts of the app will work on Mobile Mode.

Given NGL’s history of questionable fraud, this partnership with Mode Mobile seems like a good fit.

Mode Mobile makes a cell phone, which it calls the “EarnPhone,” that “has features to make money.” The company says users can earn money by doing everyday tasks on their phone, such as listening to music, playing games, and browsing the web. According to the company commercial equipmentMode Mobile makes money from “digital advertisers” who “pay for user interest and engagement.” Instead, your phone is full of ads, but you can make enough money to buy a round of beer at the bar.

The products were not disclosed.