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Anonymous question app Sendit deceived children and illegally collected theirdata, FTC alleges
The FTC has filed a complaint against Sendit, an anonymous question app popular with teens, alleging it unlawfully collected children's data, misled users with fake messages, and failed to obtain parental consent as required by COPPA. The app has faced scrutiny for deceptive practices, particularly regarding its in-app purchasing model and handling of user data.
Key points
- FTC accuses Sendit of illegally collecting data from users under 13 without parental consent, violating COPPA.
- Sendit misled users by sending fake provocative messages, which users could pay to reveal the sender.
- Users were charged $9.99 for a 'Diamond Membership', which was a recurring fee, not a one-time cost.
- The app gained popularity after similar anonymous apps, like YOLO and LMK, were suspended due to legal issues.
- In 2022, over 116,000 Sendit users reported being under 13, but the company allegedly did not notify parents or seek permission.
Why it matters
- Similar app suspensions in 2021 resulted from a lawsuit over a child's suicide, raising concerns about user safety.
- The rise of anonymous question apps coincides with increased attention on online child safety and data privacy regulations.
- The ongoing debate and legislation around the protection of minors' online data have intensified discussions about app accountability.
The FTC's complaint against Sendit underscores growing concerns about children's online safety and privacy, particularly in the realm of anonymous interaction apps, highlighting the need for stricter regulatory compliance surrounding data collection.