Mozilla, a maker of open source software, values user privacy. The organization’s portfolio includes the Firefox web browser, the Thunderbird email client, Mozilla VPN, the Camino Mac browser, and a suite of communications tools known as SeaMonkey. Recently, Mozilla conducted an in-depth investigation into several commonly used dating applications, focusing on security and privacy issues. Unfortunately, their findings were alarming and showed a decline since 2021.
Of the 25 dating apps examined under the Mozilla Foundation’s rigorous standards, 22 were found to share user data with unauthorized third parties. Particularly disturbing was an incident in which a Catholic group obtained Grindr data to monitor its use by clergy; Grindr also received the lowest safety rating among rated users and is currently facing lawsuits for disclosing the HIV status of its users without consent. Furthermore, it was observed that more than half (52%) of these popular dating apps make minimal efforts to protect user information. Due to such inadequate security measures and breaches in user trust protocols, 80 percent of apps reviewed by the Mozilla Foundation have been labeled ‘Privacy Not Included’.
The situation is further complicated by the integration of AI functionalities. According to Mozilla, more than half of the applications reviewed have already integrated this technology into their platforms, while others plan to do so in the near future. While some updates have proven useful, OKCupid’s plan to implement facial recognition technology has raised major concerns. These concerns are reinforced by an ongoing FTC investigation into its data-sharing practices, which began in 2022.
One notable aspect that both contributes to and possibly corrects this problem is 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 owns Bumble, Badoo, JDate and Zoosk, among others. Despite its popularity and high traffic on dating platforms within its portfolio, The Match Group has been criticized for cross-sharing user data between its applications without obtaining explicit consent from users.
Check the Mozilla Foundation website for the full list of Mozilla reviewed apps