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.