Controversial Social Media App Wizz Removed from App Stores Amid Child Safety Concerns

Wizz, a rapidly growing social media app popular among US teenagers, was unexpectedly removed from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store on January 30. Owned by Voodoo, a French mobile video game developer, Wizz operates as a Tinder-like platform for users aged 13 and above. However, recent controversies surrounding the app’s involvement in sextortion, the production of child sexual exploitation material (CS-CSEM), and the serving of pornographic ads to minors have led to its temporary removal.

Controversies surrounding Wizz

According to a report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Wizz was identified as the third most used app for sextortion purposes among teenagers, trailing only behind popular platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Additionally, numerous minors on both the Google Play Store and the App Store have come forward, claiming that they were coerced into producing SG-CSEM and subsequently blackmailed on the Wizz app. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the app frequently serving pornographic ads to minors, highlighting serious child safety issues within the platform.

Temporary removal from app stores

Upon being removed from app stores, Wizz’s official Instagram account issued a statement attributing the app’s absence to a mere technical hiccup and launched the hashtag #freewizz in response to the removal. However, this explanation raises skepticism considering the gravity of the allegations against the app.

Voodoo’s response to the removal

Voodoo, the parent company of Wizz, has acknowledged that both Apple and Google are seeking further information regarding their app. They have expressed their willingness to work closely with the app store teams to clarify the extensive safeguards in place for users and resolve the matter promptly. Voodoo remains optimistic about reinstating Wizz on the app stores.

Company’s implementation of security controls

A spokesperson for Voodoo emphasized that the company has implemented strict security measures to prevent abusive or illegal behavior on the Wizz platform. While responding to the NCRI report, the spokesperson defended the platform’s practices and reiterated their commitment to user safety.

Wizz co-founder’s statement

Gautier Gédoux, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Wizz, took to Medium to address some of the claims made in the NCRI report. Gédoux stated that they were not aware of any successful extortion attempts occurring within the Wizz app. He further discussed the app’s initiatives to combat users sending pornographic ads, aiming to foster a safer environment for all users.

The controversy surrounding the removal of Wizz from app stores highlights the urgent need to address child safety concerns prevalent on social media platforms. While the temporary removal may have disrupted the app’s growing popularity, it underscores the greater responsibility of developers and app stores to prioritize user protection. As the investigation continues and the discussions between Voodoo, Apple, and Google progress, the ultimate impact of Wizz’s removal from app stores remains uncertain. However, it is crucial that swift measures are taken to address the alarming issues raised by the NCRI report, ensuring the safety of young users in the digital landscape.

Explore more

Employee Engagement Crisis: How to Restore Workplace Happiness

We’re thrilled to sit down with Ling-Yi Tsai, a renowned HRTech expert with decades of experience helping organizations navigate change through innovative technology. With a deep focus on HR analytics and the seamless integration of tech in recruitment, onboarding, and talent management, Ling-Yi offers invaluable insights into the pressing challenges of employee engagement and workplace well-being. In this conversation, we

How Is AI Transforming Digital Marketing Strategies?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of digital marketing, fundamentally altering how brands connect with audiences in an increasingly crowded online space. As businesses grapple with the challenge of capturing consumer attention amidst endless streams of content, AI offers a lifeline by providing tools that personalize experiences, streamline operations, and deliver data-driven insights. This technological shift is not

Business Central Mobile Apps Transform Operations On-the-Go

In an era where business agility defines success, the ability to manage operations from any location has become a critical advantage for companies striving to stay ahead of the curve, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central mobile apps are at the forefront of this shift. These apps redefine how organizations handle essential tasks like finance, sales, and inventory management by

Transparency Key to Solving D365 Pricing Challenges

Understanding the Dynamics 365 Landscape Imagine a business world where operational efficiency hinges on a single, powerful tool, yet many enterprises struggle to harness its full potential due to unforeseen hurdles. Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solution, stands as a cornerstone for medium to large organizations aiming to integrate and

Generative AI Transforms Finance with Automation and Strategy

This how-to guide aims to equip finance professionals, particularly chief financial officers (CFOs) and their teams, with actionable insights on leveraging generative AI to revolutionize their operations. By following the steps outlined, readers will learn how to automate routine tasks, enhance strategic decision-making, and position their organizations for competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry. The purpose of this guide