For many people, today’s quest for love is linked to the online dating industry. Little do they know, however, that each swipe right (or left) on a dating app like Bumble can put their privacy at risk. Although these apps have become a cultural staple, they are also growing more intrusive, collecting sensitive personal information such as location data, personal preferences, and intimate details. This data reveals not only our likes and dislikes but also our vulnerabilities we may not share openly with others, ranging from information about our sexual preferences and sexual identity to beliefs about love and what we find attractive.
Protecting our data is crucial, particularly for vulnerable groups like people seeking reproductive health care, survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), and LGBTQ+ people. Recent research has unveiled serious privacy flaws in popular dating apps, revealing that many apps — including Bumble — collect and share extensive data without adequate transparency, data protection, or privacy safeguards. In this post, we dive into Bumble’s data-hungry practices and explore how you can help demand change.
What Bumble is doing wrong
Mozilla’s research underscores several issues with Bumble’s privacy policies. The app’s vague terms and conditions allow room for the company to share and sell people’s personal data for marketing purposes, raising red flags about consent and data security. In February, Bumble announced the layoff of 350 employees, representing about 30% of its workforce. These layoffs further exacerbate these concerns. With a reduced staff, Bumble’s ability to protect personal data may be compromised. The layoffs reflect a wider trend in the tech industry.
Furthermore, Bumble’s marketing strategies and the introduction of AI-powered features, such as “dating assistants,” are stirring controversy. While these AI tools aim to improve or enhance the online experience, they also pose significant risks regarding data collection and privacy. The use of such features without clear and stringent privacy and data protections increases the likelihood of sensitive data being mishandled or exploited.
How people are being put at risk
The privacy practices of dating apps like Bumble have real-world implications that extend beyond data breaches. While all use of social media platforms presents some risk, dating apps especially raise issues because they encourage us to send private information and sensitive details about ourselves to strangers. As we note above, people seeking reproductive health care, survivors of IPV, and LGBTQ+ people are particularly at risk. For these groups, a privacy breach can have severe consequences, from jeopardizing personal safety to exposing sensitive information. Inadequate privacy protections not only endanger personal safety but also erode trust in digital platforms. Dating sites and apps also often have a geolocation feature that allows you to see other people near you. This feature allows people with bad intentions to identify potential targets nearby and keep tabs on your location.
What we’re demanding
In response to these privacy concerns, Access Now joined Mozilla and a coalition of privacy, public interest, and gender justice organizations in a letter addressed to Bumble expressing our concerns over Bumble’s lack of clarity with respect to its privacy practices. The letter demands immediate improvements in Bumble’s privacy practices. We are urging several key actions:
- Clear and transparent data policies: Bumble must provide explicit and unambiguous information about its data collection practices and how personal data is used, including whether it sells customer personal data, and if so, to whom (including data brokers)
- Limiting data collection: The app should only collect data that is absolutely necessary for its services, reducing the risk of misuse
- Protecting personal data: Bumble must strengthen its consent mechanisms by ensuring that personal data is not sold or shared without explicit consent from the individuals
Implementing these measures would not only improve Bumble’s privacy practices but also rebuild trust and set a standard for other apps in the industry.
What you can do
Every profile we create, message we send, and location we share contributes to a modern-day digital marketplaces where our most intimate details are shared in hopes of love or companionship. Given the intimate nature of information, Bumble must be up front about what data they collect, how it is used, and with whom it is shared. This level of openness is key to protecting privacy and fostering a safe online environment.
To support this cause and protect privacy, here’s how you can help:
- Add your voice to petitions like this demanding better privacy practices from Bumble and other dating apps
- Spread awareness by sharing this post on social media and with your network, and join us to make our collective voices heard using the #BumblePrivacyStings hashtag
- Learn more about how to protect yourself on dating sites and apps
By taking these steps, you can join the movement toward safer, more transparent, human rights-respecting digital spaces.