What is NGL anonymous messaging app and how safe is it?

The anonymous messaging app NGL, abbreviation for "not gonna lie", is seemingly all over Instagram.

How safe is NGL though? And is it truly "anonymous"?

According to a Screen Rant article, there is a "Who sent this" button displayed under every so-called "anonymous" message.

Once you click on it, a pop-up will say that "Pro members" would be able to get hints about who sent the message. However, if you are worried about your crush finding out who you are, sit back and relax.

The user needs to get a paid subscription to know "who sent this" and they would just know the model of your phone, i.e. iPhone 13, and your location, which does not pinpoint to the basement you are living out of. So, yes! One can remain "anonymous".

However, the main problem with the app is that it may lead to bullying.

NGL says it uses language filters to prevent bullying. According to an NBC News report, however, some phrases still made it. When NBC News reportedly tested the app, threatening or bullying terms like "KYS", which stands for "kill yourself", were filtered out.

However, language filters allowed more routine bullying terms to slip through, which is quite concerning. It includes phrases like "You're fat", "Everyone hates you", "You're a loser" and "You're ugly".

What's worse is that users whose messages were flagged for using inappropriate language were not barred from sending additional messages immediately.

However, the main concern with all apps, including this one, is data leak. If you think about it, the person you are sending the anonymous message to may not know who you are, but the app does. And, the data will remain in the company's database which will actually not render you "anonymous".