Popular gay dating app Grindr has encountered a stumbling block, as the nation of Norway has struck the company with a 100 million-krone ($12 million) penalty. The reason: authorities in the Scandinavian nation argue that Grindr has violated privacy laws by not giving users control over their data.
Grindr dictates that all users accept the app’s policies, but does not disclose any information regarding sale of user data to third party companies. The European Union has made the protection of user data a priority in recent years, and has initiated a push to allow users more control over their private data. While Norway is not a member of the EU, the nation generally follows all laws established by the greater European governing body.
Related: Christian leader busted on Grindr trying to hook up with teen
Bloomberg reports that because Grindr also contains information on the sexuality, gender identity and sexual interests of users, it puts their privacy at particular risk.
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“Grindr is seen as a safe space, and many users wish to be discrete,” said Bjorn Erik Thon, director general of the Data Protection Authority in Norway. “Nonetheless, their data have been shared with an unknown number of third parties, and any information regarding this was hidden away.”
“We believe that the fact that someone is a Grindr user speaks to their sexual orientation, and therefore this constitutes special category data that merit particular protection,” Thon added.
The proposed $12 million fine would represent about 10% of Grindr’s yearly revenue. The Los Angeles-based company has yet to comment.
darklight413
It’s about time Grindr got fined. They can afford it. They’re unlimited version is $40/mo and it’s never been worth it.
Cam
We need privacy rules for companies like Facebook like that in America.
jsmu
Must be nice to live in a civilized and human country. We wouldn’t know here in amurriKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKa.
whateverokok
I think you’ve taken one too many hyperbole pills this morning. Unless you are actually being honest. If so, there are some lovely countries out there that will stone you to death for being who you are, if you think Amerikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkka is too harsh and uncivilized.
cuteguy
Omg, get your act together Grindr. As someone who’s travelled to Norway, it would be a shame if Grindr was banned in a place when all the guys are tall muscular Scandinavian hotties who are all named Sven. It’s a gay man’s paradise