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Dating Apps

Introduction

Dating apps have transformed how people meet and form relationships since Tinder’s launch in 2012. While these platforms have made dating more accessible, they also collect and process highly sensitive personal information, including sexual orientation, relationship preferences, location data, and intimate conversations. This combination of sensitive data and real-world meetups creates unique privacy and safety challenges.

Providers

Tinder (Match Group)

The most popular dating app collects extensive user data, including location, swiping patterns, and chat content. In 2020, a security report revealed vulnerabilities that could expose users’ exact locations. The app’s parent company, Match Group, has faced criticism for sharing user data across its dating app portfolio.

Bumble

Markets itself as a women-first platform with better privacy features, but still collects significant user data. In 2021, security researchers found that Bumble’s API could expose users’ location data and personal information, though this was quickly patched. The app stores chat histories indefinitely unless manually deleted.

Grindr

The LGBTQ+ dating app has faced serious privacy concerns. In 2020, it was fined $11.7 million by Norway’s data protection authority for illegally sharing user data, including HIV status and precise location, with advertisers. The app’s location tracking has also raised safety concerns in countries where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.

Hinge (Match Group)

Promotes itself as relationship-focused but shares user data within the Match Group ecosystem. The app collects detailed personality information and preferences, and in 2022, updated its privacy policy to allow more extensive data sharing for “research purposes.”

Recommendations

  1. Limit the personal information you share on your profile
  2. Use approximate location settings when available
  3. Be cautious about linking social media accounts
  4. Regularly review and update privacy settings
  5. Use a separate email address for dating accounts
  6. Consider using privacy-focused dating apps that minimize data collection

Actions

  • Review and adjust privacy settings on all dating apps
  • Remove unnecessary personal information from profiles
  • Disable precise location sharing when not actively using apps
  • Delete old matches and conversations you no longer need
  • Unlink connected social media accounts if possible
  • Enable two-factor authentication if available
  • Consider using a separate phone number for dating apps