Apple, Google Remove Wizz from App Stores Following Sextortion Allegations

Wizz, a teen-dating app that is quite similar to Tinder, was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on January 30, 2024.

According to the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), they were alerted over alleged sextortion scams on the platform. This prompted the two tech giants to take swift action.

Allegations of Sextortion Scams Lead to App Suspension

Once known as a "safe space" for teens, Wizz easily captured the hearts of young people across similar ages. It quickly became trending for those who want to meet new friends. However, the Gen Z social app's success was cut off when sextortion allegations surfaced online.

Based on a report by NBC News, NCOSE reached out to Apple and Google to express concerns about sextortion scams circulating on Wizz. Both companies responded promptly, removing the app from their respective stores.

"We are glad to THANK @AppStore and @GooglePlay for booting the Wizz app from their app stores after our outreach to them - this app connected children with strangers, leading to grooming and abuse. This step of social responsibility is vital for online safety," NCOSE posted on X.

Wizz's spokesperson mentioned ongoing discussions with Apple and Google to provide more information about the platform's safeguards, aiming for a quick resolution.

Acknowledgment of Violations and Swift Actions

Apple, acknowledging the seriousness of App Store violations, assured NCOSE of its commitment to user safety. Meanwhile, Google, citing its child endangerment policy, revealed that Wizz violated guidelines related to content that facilitates the exploitation or abuse of children. This only means that these companies are aware of the gravity of the allegations thrown to the app.

What Wizz Said About the App Removal

Wizz, on its official Instagram account, attributed the removal to a "technical hiccup" and assured users that efforts were underway to resolve the matter.

Despite NCOSE's claims, Wizz urged users not to uninstall the app, reassuring them of its return and requesting patience for updates.

Previous Security Concerns and Lack of Controls

Wizz faced scrutiny in July of the previous year regarding security measures, specifically the absence of parental controls and safety protocols for underage users. The app's vulnerability to cybercriminals coercing explicit content exchange raised significant concerns, with over 100 reported cases in the past year.

Influencers Distance Themselves Amid Concerns

In response to mounting concerns, two influencers distanced themselves from the Wizz-sponsored content creation network, Wizz House. While citing concerns, they refrained from elaborating due to nondisclosure agreements. The company behind the app, however, highlighted the success of its recent Miami content creation event.

Financial Sextortion Scams and Weak Age Verification

The Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) revealed Wizz's involvement in "financial sextortion" scams, jeopardizing users' anonymity. Cyberbullies coerced users into making payments through various channels, threatening to expose explicit content. NCRI also highlighted weak age verification and exposure to explicit ads, per Sportskeeda.

Owned by French tech company Voodoo and funded by prominent entities like Goldman Sachs, Tencent, and GBL, Wizz, launched in 2019, caters to users aged 13 and above. Despite recent controversies, it boasts 20 million active users.

It's about time for Wizz to face its turbulent period as allegations of sextortion scams and lax security measures surface. The removal from app stores signals a significant setback for the once-popular app, and its future remains uncertain pending investigations and resolutions.