The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information on Dating Apps: A Mozilla Foundation Report Reveals Startling Statistics and Offers Advice for Privacy Protection

In today’s digital age, personal data has become a valuable commodity that is sought after by both technology companies and cybercriminals. Some dating apps encourage users to provide personal details in exchange for better chances of finding a partner, but many of these apps have deficiencies in protecting user data. A Mozilla Foundation report has revealed that 80% of dating apps can share or sell users’ personal information for advertising purposes, even in the paid version, and 52% have a history of data breaches.

Grindr was involved in a leak that allowed a Catholic group in the U.S. to track members of the clergy, while Match Group sent sensitive information of Tinder and OkCupid users to third parties. Some dating apps have even shared users’ HIV status and sexual orientation with third parties. Only three out of 25 dating apps examined were considered good at data protection and privacy, while others were rated as deficient.

To protect personal information when using dating apps, it is important for users to carefully choose the app they use, review privacy settings, read the Privacy Policy, and limit the information shared with the app. Users should treat dating apps as they would their LinkedIn profile by avoiding linking social networks and limiting permissions granted to the app such as camera or geolocation access.

The Mozilla Foundation recommends using only dating apps that meet data protection standards like Lex, eHarmony, and Happn and treating these apps as if they were public profiles. Users should also regularly review device settings to disable unnecessary app permissions by following these recommendations; they can reduce the risk of their personal information being used without consent.