SendIt Lawsuit Targets Illegal Collection of Children’s Data

The SendIt lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission accuses the app of violating child privacy protections. According to the complaint, SendIt collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. Furthermore, the FTC says the app deceived users with fake messages and pushed costly subscriptions.

Alleged Violations

SendIt’s parent company, Iconic Hearts Holdings, and its CEO, Hunter Rice, are named in the lawsuit. The FTC alleges violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The app reportedly gathered phone numbers, usernames, photos, and birthdates from minors without consent.

In addition, the complaint states that SendIt sent users misleading messages. These prompts encouraged them to purchase a “Diamond Membership” to see who contacted them. However, the supposed senders were often fake or irrelevant.

The lawsuit also claims that subscription details were not clearly disclosed. Automatic billing practices violated both the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA).

Scale of the Issue

The FTC highlighted that SendIt was aware of its young user base. In 2022 alone, more than 116,000 users self-reported as under 13. Despite this, the company failed to obtain parental consent, a clear requirement under COPPA.

Moreover, regulators warned the company about potential violations in 2023. According to the FTC, these practices continued even after the notice. This persistence strengthened the decision to pursue legal action.

Broader Implications

If the allegations are confirmed, the penalties could be significant. COPPA allows the FTC to seek fines for every violation involving child data collection.

Beyond financial penalties, the case highlights growing concerns about privacy in youth-oriented apps. Deceptive features, hidden billing, and misuse of anonymity all raise red flags for regulators.

Conclusion

The SendIt lawsuit reflects the FTC’s stronger stance on child privacy enforcement. By accusing the app of illegal data collection and deceptive practices, regulators are signaling that youth-focused platforms face tighter scrutiny. Unless SendIt changes course, this case may serve as a precedent for future actions against similar apps.