Mozilla, a creator of open-source software, upholds a strong commitment to user privacy. The organization’s portfolio includes the Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client, Mozilla VPN, Camino Mac browser, and a suite of communication tools known as SeaMonkey. Recently, Mozilla conducted an in-depth review of several widely-used dating applications with an emphasis on security and privacy concerns. Unfortunately, their findings were alarming and evidenced a decline since 2021.
Out of 25 dating apps examined by Mozilla Foundation’s rigorous standards, 22 were found to be sharing user data with unauthorized third parties. Notably troubling was an incident where a Catholic group acquired Grindr data to monitor clergy usage; Grindr also received the lowest safety rating among those reviewed and is currently facing litigation for disclosing its users’ HIV statuses without consent. Additionally, it was observed that more than half (52%) of these popular dating apps make minimal efforts towards protecting user information. Consequently, due to such inadequate security measures and breaches in user trustworthiness protocols, 80 percent of the assessed apps have been designated with the “Privacy Not Included” label by the Mozilla Foundation.
The situation is further complicated by the integration of AI functionalities. According to Mozilla, over half of the reviewed applications have already incorporated this technology into their platforms, with others planning to do so in the near future. Although some updates have proven beneficial, OKCupid’s plan to implement facial recognition technology has raised significant concerns. This apprehension is heightened by an ongoing FTC investigation into its data-sharing practices initiated in 2022.
A noteworthy aspect that both contributes to and potentially rectifies this issue lies in the fact that two companies dominate the majority of dating apps. The Match Group owns popular services such as Tinder, Match, OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, and OurTime. Meanwhile, Spark Network holds ownership over Bumble, Badoo, JDate, Zoosk among others. Despite its popularity and high traffic on dating platforms within its portfolio, The Match Group has faced criticism for cross-sharing user data between its applications without obtaining explicit consent from users.
Check the Mozilla Foundation site for the full list of apps reviewed by Mozilla