Dating Apps Prioritize Data Collection Over User Privacy, Study Finds
Majority of Apps Receive Lowest Grade in Mozilla’s Privacy Review
In a recent study conducted by Mozilla, researchers discovered that dating apps are collecting more user data than ever before in an effort to attract GenZ users. The organization reviewed 25 apps and found that 22 of them earned the lowest possible grade for privacy practices. Only Lex, a queer-owned and operated app, received a positive review, while Harmony and Happn received passable ratings.
Apps Share Personal Data for Advertising Purposes
According to the report, 80% of the apps studied may share or sell users’ personal data for advertising purposes. Even apps like Bumble, which have unclear privacy clauses, might sell user data to advertisers. A pop-up message within the app, as noted by Mozilla, states:
“We use services that help improve marketing campaigns . . . Under certain privacy laws, this may be considered selling or sharing your personal information with our marketing partners.”
Geolocation Data Collection Raises Concerns
The majority of apps, including Hinge, Tinder, OKCupid, Match, Plenty of Fish, BLK, and BlackPeopleMeet, collect precise geolocation data from users. Some apps, like Hinge, even collect this data in the background when the app is not in use. Hinge’s policy states:
“The collection of your geolocation may occur in the background even when you aren’t using the services if the permission you gave us expressly permits such collection. If you decline permission for us to collect your precise geolocation, we will not collect it, and our services that rely on precise geolocation may not be available to you.”
Data Brokers and the Consequences of Data Sharing
While dating apps claim that extensive data collection helps them find better matches for users, the consequences can be severe if that data ends up in the hands of data brokers. In 2022, The Washington Post reported that a U.S.-based Catholic group purchased data from Grindr to monitor some of its members. Grindr, which received one of the lowest ratings in Mozilla’s review, has a history of lapses in privacy and security practices.
The Future of Dating Apps: AI and Privacy Concerns
As dating app downloads slow down and companies explore new ways to engage potential daters, the use of AI-powered features is becoming more prevalent. Match Group has already announced plans to leverage AI, while Grindr is reportedly introducing an AI chatbot capable of engaging in sexually explicit language. However, Mozilla researchers are not confident that dating apps will have sufficient protections for user privacy as they collect more data and incorporate AI technologies.
“To forge stronger matches users have to write compelling profiles, fill out numerous interest and personality surveys, asses and charm matches, share pictures and videos — the whole experience is heavily dependent on how much information people share. By this virtue, dating apps must protect this data from exploitation.”
– Misha Rykov, Mozilla privacy researcher
Earlier this year, Mozilla also evaluated AI bots that could act as romantic partners and found serious concerns about their security and data sharing practices.
As dating apps continue to prioritize data collection over user privacy, it is crucial for users to be aware of the potential risks and for companies to take responsibility for protecting the sensitive information they gather.
5 Comments
Sending out your heart emoji now comes with a free data leak, it’s a package deal no one asked for!
Swipe right for privacy invasion, it seems!
Oh, surprise, surprise, our private lives on display like a retail shop window!
Guess love’s not just blind but also a bit careless with our data, huh?
Looks like finding ‘The One’ now includes third-party advertisers too, how romantic.