Tiny Tech
Tiny Tech deserves scrutiny, too
While public attention is focused on the trials of the largest social media platforms, I want to call attention to the harms caused by “Tiny Tech”— small startups with only a handful of employees that move fast, go viral, and frequently make safety promises they are not equipped to keep.
Why this matters to my family
These were the kinds of apps that enabled anonymous cyberbullying targeting my 16-year-old son, Carson, who died by suicide as a result.
What changed after the lawsuit
After we filed a 2021 lawsuit against Snapchat, Yolo, and LMK, these smaller apps were removed from Snapchat’s large distribution channel. Yolo is now bankrupt and no longer operating. LMK however, continued offering its product directly through the Google Play and Apple app stores, with changes that raise serious concerns:
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LMK lowered its Apple App Store recommended age from 17 to 16.
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The app now includes drop-in audio rooms.
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Its terms of service shifted from stating it “will not” allow objectionable content to stating it “may not” allow such content.
The ongoing risk
Beyond cyberbullying, an anonymous app marketed to teens as a place to “Make New Friends online” creates an ideal venue for dangerous adult predators to contact young people. This IS happening on LMK, with devastating consequences. Like Big Tech, these companies prioritize growth and profit over the safety of children. Parents please check your teen’s phone for these apps that promote online friendships with strangers.
Learn more about Tiny Tech
Dangerous Smaller Tech Companies Apps (2026 List)
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Telegram: Known for its "secret mode" and self-destructing messages, it operates with a small, remote team, making it hard to police, and is considered highly dangerous for kids.
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Kik Messenger: Its focus on anonymity makes it a hotspot for adult predators posing as teens and for cyberbullying.
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LMK: ("Let Me Know") is an anonymous app with audio, chat rooms and direct messaging where strangers can connect with teens. Deadly incidents of cyberbullying and sexual exploitation have occurred on this app.
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NGL (“Not Gonna Lie”): Ask Me Anything: Co-Founders were fined by the FTC for sending harassing messages to users themselves.
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Yik Yak: An anonymous, location-based app that acts as a "perfect storm" of bullying, predation, and inappropriate content.
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Clapper: Marketed as "uncensored social media" it is risky for exposing children to mature content.
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Hoop / Wink: Apps designed to help users find new friends on Snapchat, which can be used by strangers to contact children.
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Poly Buzz: AI app that allows users to chat and roleplay with strangers and contains highly explicit, sexual, or violent content.
Trending Dangerous Apps (2025-2026)
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UpScrolled: A "censorship-free" social media platform.
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C2 Live Favorited: New live-streaming apps with little to no moderation.
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PovChat AI: A platform for role-playing with AI characters that often explores mature themes.
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Deepfake Apps (Reface, FaceMagic): These can be used to manipulate images of children, leading to potential grooming or bullying.
Why These Companies Are Dangerous
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Anonymity: Many of these platforms do not require real identities, aiding predators.
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Live Streaming: Unregulated live video can expose children to instant, dangerous, or sexual content.
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Weak Parental Controls: Often lack proper age verification or parental monitoring tools.
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Predatory Algorithms: Even smaller platforms often use algorithms designed to maximize engagement, leading to addiction.