Is NGL Safe? Everything You Need to Know Before Using It
NGL promises anonymity but has serious security and privacy issues. We tell you the truth about the app, the FTC fine, and why DimePiola is the safe alternative you were looking for.
NGL (Not Gonna Lie) became a sensation among content creators who wanted to receive anonymous questions on Instagram. But behind the fun facade, there are serious security and privacy issues, plus a history of questionable practices that every user should know about before using it.
In this guide we'll tell you if NGL is really safe, what happened with the multi-million dollar FTC fine, and why more and more creators are migrating to alternatives like DimePiola.
What is NGL and how does it work?
NGL is an app that lets you receive anonymous messages and questions from your Instagram followers. You share a link in your stories or bio, and people can write to you without revealing their identity.
Sounds harmless, but the reality is more complex.
NGL's security problems
1. Bot-generated fake messages
One of NGL's biggest scandals was the discovery that the app generated automatic fake messages to trick users into thinking they had more interaction than they really did. These bots sent generic questions to push users into paying for the premium subscription.
2. The FTC fine: $5 million
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined NGL $5 million for:
- Deceiving users by making them believe messages were from real people
- Lack of minor protection: the app marketed itself as "safe for teens" but had no effective filters
- Deceptive privacy: NGL's policies allowed sharing personal data with third parties without clear consent
3. Questionable privacy
According to NGL's privacy policy, the app collects:
- Your name, email address and phone number
- Banking and credit card information
- Your exact location, IP address and zip code
- Photos and content you upload to the platform
- Your Instagram profile data
Additionally, they share this information with third parties for marketing, analysis and other commercial purposes.
4. Insufficient moderation
Despite promising "artificial intelligence filters", multiple investigations showed that offensive and harassing messages managed to get through NGL's filters without issue.
What data does NGL collect?
NGL's privacy policy is clear (although many don't read it):
| Data | Collected? | Shared? |
|---|---|---|
| Name and email | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Phone number | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Location/IP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Banking data | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Photos and content | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ May become public |
| Instagram data | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Safe alternatives to NGL
DimePiola — The best alternative
DimePiola was created with the security and privacy that NGL never had:
| Feature | DimePiola | NGL |
|---|---|---|
| AI hate filter | ✅ Groq + Llama 3 | ❌ Fake bots |
| Real anonymity (no IP) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Stores IPs |
| PIN protection | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
| Personal data security | ✅ Doesn't share | ❌ Sells to third parties |
| Free | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Freemium |
| Made in LATAM | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
Why switch to DimePiola?
- No tracking: we don't store IPs or personal data of senders
- Smart filter: we block insults, harassment and spam automatically
- Total privacy: your inbox is protected with a personal PIN
- 100% free: no subscriptions or hidden fees
- Made for you: Spanish interface, designed for Latin America
Frequently asked questions about NGL security
Is NGL safe for teens?
No. The FTC fined NGL precisely for failing to adequately protect underage users. The app allows harassment and has no effective filters.
Does NGL sell my data?
According to its own privacy policy, NGL shares personal information with third parties for marketing and analysis. There are no guarantees that your data won't be sold.
Can I delete my data from NGL?
Yes, but NGL's policy states they "reserve the right to make exceptions" about which data they delete. No guarantee of complete deletion.
Is there a safe alternative to NGL?
Yes. DimePiola is the safest alternative: no IP tracking, AI hate filter, PIN protection and 100% free. Created in Latin America for Latin America.
Conclusion
NGL is not safe. Between the fake bots, the million-dollar FTC fine, the massive data collection and the lack of effective moderation, there are enough reasons to look for an alternative.
DimePiola offers everything NGL promised but never delivered: real anonymity, intelligent security, total privacy and an experience designed for Latin American content creators.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is NGL safe for teens?
Does NGL sell my data?
Is there a safe alternative to NGL?
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