Mozilla discovers that the majority of dating apps fail to adequately protect user data

Dating apps are under scrutiny for their questionable privacy practices as a new study by Mozilla reveals that they are collecting more data than ever to attract GenZ users. The study reviewed 25 dating apps and found that 22 of them received the lowest grade for privacy practices, with only a few exceptions like Queer-owned Lex, Harmony, and Happn.

According to the report, 80% of the apps may share or sell personal data for advertising purposes, raising concerns about the misuse of user information. Apps like Bumble have been called out for their vague privacy clauses that could potentially lead to data being sold to advertisers without users’ consent.

The study also highlighted the issue of precise geolocation tracking by popular apps like Hinge, Tinder, and OKCupid, which collect location data even when the app is not in use. This raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive information by third-party data brokers.

Zoë MacDonald, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the importance of protecting user data from exploitation, especially as dating apps continue to collect more personal information to improve matchmaking algorithms. With the rise of AI-powered features in dating apps, there are growing concerns about the lack of adequate privacy protections for users.

As the dating app industry faces challenges in retaining users and maintaining market value, companies are exploring new ways to engage potential daters, including the use of AI chatbots and generative AI algorithms. However, researchers warn that without proper safeguards in place, user privacy could be at risk.

Overall, the study by Mozilla underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the dating app industry to ensure that user data is protected and not exploited for commercial or malicious purposes.