The NGL / FTC case of 2024
In July 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission fined NGL Labs $5 million, alongside banning the app from minors under 18. The reason: the app misled users into believing the “NGL Pro” subscription would reveal who sent them anonymous messages — when in reality, the hints provided were generic guesses anyone could make.
This wasn't just a financial penalty — it was a legal finding that the business model itself was deceptive. Which is why looking for an “NGL alternative” today is entirely reasonable.
NGL vs Sarhny — feature-by-feature
| Feature | NGL | Sarhny |
|---|---|---|
| Primary language | English | Arabic-native |
| Perfect RTL | Limited | ✓ perfect |
| Stories integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mirrors (targeted Q&A) | — | ✓ unique |
| Post crystallization | — | ✓ unique |
| Paid “reveal sender” | ✓ (FTC-fined) | ✗ committed not to ship |
| Available on web | Limited | ✓ full experience |
| Clear privacy policy | Vague | Published + readable |
| Pricing | Pushy subscriptions | Free + optional Plus |
Why “reveal sender” is a fundamental problem
Anonymous messaging apps rest on one promise to users: your identity is hidden. The moment the app sells a “reveal” feature to the recipient, sender trust collapses entirely. The platform shifts from a tool for honesty to a potential blackmail vehicle.
Sarhny committed from day one to never ship this feature, no matter how profitable. This isn't a temporary restriction — it's a permanent design decision documented in our about page.
How to move from NGL to Sarhny
- Sign up at Sarhny with the same username if available.
- Swap your Instagram bio link from
ngl.link/...tosarhny.com/username. - Create your first mirror with a focused question — a feature NGL doesn't offer.
FAQ
What's the core difference between NGL and Sarhny?
NGL is an English-first app with mediocre Arabic support, promoting a paid 'reveal sender' feature (which the FTC fined the company $5M for in 2024). Sarhny is Arabic-native, committed to never selling sender identity, and offers features NGL lacks like mirrors and crystallization.
Why was NGL fined by the FTC?
In July 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission fined NGL Labs $5 million for misleading teenagers into believing the 'NGL Pro' subscription would reveal real sender identities — when in fact the hints provided were generic guesses, not facts. Direct violation of consumer protection law.
Does Sarhny offer the same Instagram Stories integration as NGL?
Yes. You can share your profile link (sarhny.com/username) or your mirror link in an Instagram Story just as easily. Difference: Sarhny opens directly in the browser (fast experience), while NGL forces users into the NGL app to drive installs.
Do I need a separate NGL app, or is Sarhny enough?
Sarhny works fully in the browser, and we also have iOS and Android apps for serious users. You don't need NGL separately — Sarhny offers all its features and more, with a cleaner Arabic experience.