In July 2021, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced that his office has filed a complaint against the popular messaging app Hell Cat for violating the state’s consumer protection laws. The company, known for its disappearing messages and self-destructing photos, has been accused of engaging in deceptive and unfair trade practices.

The complaint alleges that Hell Cat failed to disclose several key features of its app to users, including a permanent record of messages sent and received by users. This means that despite the promise of disappearing messages, these conversations were actually being stored by the company without user consent. In addition, the app also collected geolocation data from users without their knowledge or permission.

According to Attorney General Frosh, these practices not only violate consumer trust but also put their privacy at risk. “Hell Cat marketed itself as a secure platform for private messaging, when in fact it was storing users’ sensitive information without their knowledge,” said Frosh in a statement. “Consumers have a right to be informed about how their data is being used and should have control over what information is being collected.

Hell Cat responded to the complaint by stating that they take user privacy seriously and are committed to working with regulators to address any concerns raised. However, this isn’t the first time Hell Cat has faced legal backlash over its practices. In 2019, they settled a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over similar deceptive claims about message encryption.

This recent filing by hell cat maryland attorney general highlights an ongoing issue with tech companies: lack of transparency in how personal data is handled. The use of geolocation data without proper disclosure or opt-in consent is especially concerning as it can reveal sensitive information about individuals’ whereabouts.

But beyond just privacy concerns, this case also brings up important questions about truth in advertising and consumer protection laws. As more people rely on digital communication platforms for both personal and professional use, it’s crucial that companies are held accountable for their advertising claims and are transparent about their data collection and usage practices.

So what can users do to protect themselves from these deceptive tactics? One option is to carefully review the terms of service and privacy policy of any app before downloading it. This may not be the most exciting reading material, but it can offer valuable insight into how your data will be handled.

Another important step is to use reputable messaging apps that prioritize user privacy. With so many options available, it’s worth doing some research before committing to one specific platform. And if you suspect a company may be engaging in unfair or deceptive trade practices, don’t hesitate to report them to your state’s Attorney General’s office or the FTC.

The legal action taken against Hell Cat serves as a reminder that consumer protection laws exist for a reason: to hold companies accountable for their actions and protect everyday individuals from deceitful practices. As technology continues to advance, it’s imperative that companies prioritize ethical and transparent practices when handling user data. Because whether in the digital world or the physical one, everyone deserves the right to have control over their personal information.