Protect Your Privacy and Stay Safe on Dating Apps

In today’s digital age, personal data has become a valuable resource for both technology companies and cybercriminals seeking to commit fraud. The latter offer their services in exchange for our information. For example, in dating applications, users are encouraged to provide personal details in profiles with the promise of increasing chances of finding a partner. However, many of these apps have deficiencies in protecting your data.

A Mozilla Foundation report found that 80% of dating apps can share or sell users’ personal information for advertising purposes, even in the paid version. 52% of them have a history of data breaches. Some incidents include Grindr’s leak that allowed tracking of clergy members and Match Group sending user information to third parties.

Of the 25 dating apps examined, only three (Lex, eHarmony and Happn) were considered good at data protection and privacy. To prevent unauthorized use of your information, it is recommended to limit the information shared with these dating companies for greater security.

It is important to choose apps carefully and be aware of the type of personal information shared. Reviewing privacy settings, reading the Privacy Policy, and understanding consent for data use are crucial steps recommended by cybersecurity experts. Avoid sharing sensitive information and limit permissions granted to applications to protect your privacy.

Mozilla Foundation advises using only apps that meet data protection standards and treating them like a public profile. It is wise not to link social networks to dating accounts and regularly review device settings to disable unnecessary permissions. These measures can help reduce the risk of personal information misuse by dating apps.