Norway fines dating app Grindr $7.16M over privacy breach

By JAN M. OLSEN and KELVIN CHAN
Associated Press

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Norway’s data privacy watchdog fined gay dating app Grindr $7.16 million for sending sensitive personal data to hundreds of potential advertising partners without users’ consent. The Norwegian Data Protection Authority said Wednesday that it imposed its highest fine to date because the California-based company didn’t comply with the European Union’s strict privacy rules. Norway isn’t an EU member but closely mirrors its rules. Grindr says the agency’s findings related to consent policies from years ago and that it’s considering its next steps, including an appeal. Norway’s Consumer Council filed a complaint against Grindr for disclosing information about its users, including GPS locations, ages and their use of the app, to several third parties for marketing purposes.