Dangerous Sharing: How Dating Apps are Putting Your Privacy at Risk

According to a report from the Mozilla Foundation, most dating apps have the capability to sell personal information for advertising purposes. While these apps claim to help users find love by sharing personal data, researchers found that they fail to protect this information adequately. The Mozilla Foundation raises concerns about data sharing, data breaches, and subscription practices among dating apps.

Some dating apps require users to answer detailed questions and provide personal information beyond basic profile details. This may include information about religion, race, ethnicity, political opinions, sexuality, and even biometric data. The privacy policies of these apps can be misleading, with some apps requiring geolocation even though it’s presented as optional.

Grindr had a data breach that exposed user information, while Match Group was accused of sharing sensitive data with third parties. Additionally, the integration of AI in some apps raises privacy concerns, such as facial recognition training without consent in OkCupid.

To protect their privacy on dating apps, users are advised to think of their profiles as public and only share necessary information. They should limit application permissions, avoid linking social media accounts, and be cautious of third-party logins. By following these best practices, users can mitigate the risks associated with using dating apps and protect their personal information.