Dating apps, for many young people, are a fact of life. Meeting someone these days in real-life rather than through a simple swipe right appears to have become the exception, belonging more to any number of 90s teen “romcoms” than it does to real life.

According to an article by Reuters however, in recent times such dating apps like Grindr and OkCupid have been the subject of a complaint by a Norwegian consumer group in relation to a breach of privacy rules as set out in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, implemented in 2018.

The complaint relates to the passing on of sensitive data that dating apps collect (i.e. the user’s sexual preferences, health details, race etc.) to advertising firms without the user’s knowledge. This follows a trend more generally of increased scrutiny on how tech companies collect and use data, such as in the case of Cambridge Analytica.

While the point is made that it is difficult for users to understand from lengthy terms and conditions what exactly they are agreeing to in apps, consumers should endeavour to not remain “totally clueless” about how apps can potentially use their personal data.  Many however would have to admit to not having even tried to read privacy disclosure notices. Regulators in the long term must drive proper transparency and the ability to easily opt out of such disclosures as easy menu items, rather than pages of fine print.  We will keep you informed as to the progress of this complaint.