Anonymous Messaging App NGL Acquired by Mode Mobile in Controversial Deal

The NGL acquisition has drawn attention across the tech world. Anonymous messaging app NGL confirmed it was acquired by Mode Mobile. Mode Mobile runs an ad-heavy smartphone called the EarnPhone.
NGL launched in late 2021 and quickly gained popularity among teens. The app allowed users to send and receive anonymous messages. However, controversy followed almost immediately.
Anonymous apps often raise safety concerns. For example, critics say they can encourage online bullying. As a result, Snapchat banned several similar apps, including NGL, in 2022.
NGL also faced criticism for misleading growth tactics. The app reportedly sent fake messages that appeared real. Many users then paid for subscriptions to uncover sender identities that did not exist.

Regulatory action and Mode Mobile’s role

The NGL acquisition comes after serious regulatory action. In 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission banned NGL from serving minors. The agency also fined the company $5 million.
The FTC said NGL ignored user complaints. Officials claimed executives mocked affected users. Therefore, regulators stepped in to limit harm to young people.
Following the deal, NGL’s founders will leave the company.
Three remaining employees will join Mode Mobile. However, the companies did not share financial details.
Mode Mobile markets its EarnPhone as a way to earn small rewards. Users complete everyday tasks while viewing constant ads. In addition, the company earns revenue by selling user attention to advertisers.
Critics say the partnership feels unsurprising. NGL’s past tactics align closely with Mode Mobile’s business model. Still, the long-term impact of the NGL acquisition remains unclear.
For now, the deal marks the end of a turbulent chapter. It also raises new concerns about ethics, ads, and user trust in app-based platforms.