The Wizz app, a popular social media platform among U.S. teens, was recently removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
This action was taken in response to concerns raised by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) regarding the app’s alleged involvement in sextortion scams and its potential for facilitating the exploitation or abuse of children.
Apple and Google both responded to the NCOSE’s concerns by removing the Wizz app from their respective app storefronts.
An Apple representative acknowledged the violation of App Store policies and confirmed the app’s removal, stating, “We take App Store violations seriously and appreciate your outreach…. The app has been removed from the Store and we are in touch with the developer.”
Similarly, a Google spokesperson cited the company’s child endangerment policy as the basis for suspending the Wizz app from Google Play.
In a public post, the NCOSE expressed gratitude to Apple and Google for taking steps to address the potential risks associated with the Wizz app.
The organization emphasized the importance of such actions in promoting online safety, particularly for young users.
In response to the app’s removal, a Wizz spokesperson stated that the app’s developers are actively collaborating with Apple and Google to provide additional information and clarify the platform’s safety measures.
The spokesperson expressed hope for a prompt resolution to the matter, indicating that Wizz is working to address the concerns raised by the app stores.
Despite the app’s removal, Wizz remains optimistic about the possibility of returning to the App Store and Google Play.
The app’s developers are focused on addressing the issues that led to its removal and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their users.
In summary, the removal of the Wizz app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store was prompted by concerns related to potential exploitation and abuse.
The app’s developers are actively engaged in addressing these concerns and are working towards reinstatement, pending a resolution with the app stores.
