New Study Finds Dating Apps Collect More Data Than Users Know

A new study from the research team at Mozilla has found that dating apps are collecting and selling more information than its users might be aware of.

According to The Washington Post, Mozilla found that 80 percent of the dating apps they reviewed – which include popular apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge among others – may share the personal data of users with their advertisers. In fact, the privacy policies that users must agree with to use these platforms make it clear that their personal information could be sold. But how many are reading the fine print?

Spark Networks’ privacy policy was particularly specific and alarming for its apps JDate, Christian Mingle and Elite Singles. It stated that the apps might collect “sensitive information” including political affiliation, union memberships, and your “sexual preferences and experiences,” according to the Post.

Even more concerning is what Coffee Meets Bagel stated in its privacy policy: that it may collect “the content and information you make available using our video chat feature.” This means that if you video chat privately with a date over its app, it has the right to that content.

The prevailing use of the word “may” means that the companies don’t necessarily use or sell this information, but they could, which was a red flag to researchers.

Mozilla researcher Zoe McDonald pointed out: “The nature of these products means you’re going to share a lot of personal information about yourself, and of course the dating apps say that you share that information in service of finding someone.” However, the apps can use that information for purposes that aren’t going to help you find a partner.

Match Group hit back against this notion. A spokesperson for the company told The Post: “We unilaterally and purposefully limit the types of data we use for advertising purposes. In particular, we do not use sensitive data, such as sexual orientation, racial or ethnic origins, religion, or precise geolocation data for third-party advertising.”

Dating apps are having a tough time right now with attracting new users. Young people are embracing other social platforms and in-person dating, rather than spending money on dating apps. As a result, the dating platforms have added more “premium” features that users have to pay for to increase revenue.

Some users sued Match Group earlier this year over predatory business practices, including creating platforms that were “addictive” to users and hiding potential matches from them behind a paywall.

Overall, this study points out that users should read privacy policies and be aware of the way dating apps use information, and take measures such as opting out of sharing data with platforms whenever possible.