Mozilla Study Highlights Privacy Concerns with Dating App Data Collection
Dating apps are collecting more data than ever before, according to a recent study by Mozilla. The study, which reviewed 25 apps, found that 22 of them received the lowest privacy grade, indicating significant data collection and sharing practices.
Mozilla researchers noted that apps like Bumble have murky privacy clauses that could allow them to sell user data to advertisers. In addition, the majority of apps studied collected precise geolocation data from users, even when the app was not in use.
Dating apps claim that they collect this data to find better matches for users. However, concerns arise about the misuse of this data by data brokers. Last year, a U.S.-based Catholic group purchased data from Grindr to monitor members.
Mozilla emphasized the importance of dating apps protecting user data from exploitation, especially as the use of AI in these apps increases. The study found that 80% of apps may share or sell personal data for advertising purposes, and that many apps collect precise geolocation data from users. Mozilla emphasized the importance of dating apps protecting user data from exploitation, especially as the use of AI in these apps increases.
The study’s findings come at a time when dating app downloads are slowing down, and when dating app giants Match Group and Bumble have lost significant market value. Companies are now looking towards new ways to engage potential daters, including experimenting with AI-powered features. Mozilla researchers expressed concern that, as dating apps collect more data, they have a duty to protect that data from being exploited and that the use of generative AI in these apps could pose additional privacy risks without adequate protections.
