Two data analytics companies, Apptimize and Localytics, were identified as third-party services that had access to sensitive Grindr user data.
The data was allegedly made available to a potentially unlimited number of third parties, who could use it to personalize targeted advertisements for Grindr users.
The disclosure followed reports in 2018 that Grindr had shared sensitive personal information, including users’ HIV status, with two data analytics providers.
Grindr defended the data-sharing practices at the time, saying they were consistent with industry standards. However, the dating app later said it had stopped sharing users’ HIV information with those companies.
In late 2022, Norway’s data protection authority fined Grindr £5.5 million, while the UK Information Commissioner’s Office reprimanded the company over its handling of user data and privacy practices.
In a filing on Friday, Grindr said it had “overhauled” its privacy policies and data protection practices since 2020 to address the “specific needs of our community.”
“Grindr is and will continue to be a safe space for our users, and we are committed to transparency, user control, and responsible data practices,” the company said.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk