You may ask… well how dangerous could using dating apps be when I’m in control of how much personal information I provided with consent? What if I tell you…
Some of the post popular apps like Tinder, Grindr and OKCupid have been transmitting more personal data than users are likely aware of or have originally agreed to. They revealed the users’ gender, age, IP address, GPS location, sexual orientation and dating interests. The Norwegian Consumer Council believes that the way these dating apps track and profile smartphone users is in violation of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Who has access to your leaked personal data?
Grindr has passed GPS coordinates to more than eight different companies; additionally passed relationship status information to Braze. While AppsFlyer received information from Tinder about the user’s dating gender preferences. OKCupid even shared answers of very sensitive biographical questions on drug use and political leanings to Braze.
Grindr’s data breach in 2018
When we take a closer look, Grindr experienced a critical data breach back in 2018. The company potentially exposed the personal data of millions of users, including self-reported HIV status even if the user had opted out of providing it. Security firm Pen Test Partners even made a harsh comment:
“Grindr performs worst in security for any dating app we’ve ever seen”
The leaked GPS locations indicated that site members were located in the White House, the US Supreme Court building and Number 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister's Office).
Married men encountered sextortion on Grindr
A victim who’s married for 30 years was blackmailed on Grindr, a dating app for gay men. His wife and children received screenshots of the victim’s profile with a Facebook message:
“Did you know your husband is cheating on you with men?”
Despite his fear of a divorce, he refused to be blackmailed and reported to the police. The young criminal in his early 20s was sentenced to three years of probation for stalking and threatening.
Play dirty with data leakage in the political scene?
Imagine such information on political stances were sent to Donald Trump’s team before the election! So instead of Above-the-line promotion, is it ethical to approach swing voters with Below-the-line targeted advertising in political campaigns? The sexual orientation or preferences of politicians remains a sensitive issue especially in certain areas say Arabian countries. Thus, the data leakage of such private information could be a potential weapon for politicians to attack their competitors.
You are in NO way responsible for someone else’s disrespectful behavior, but it’s never too late to learn some useful safety tips when it comes to using dating apps.
Stay tuned by subscribing us and we’ll share more soon!
Comments