Ireland’s data watchdog has fined the owner of Tinder an eye-watering sum after finding a failure to protect users’ privacy.
The Data Protection Commission initially launched an inquiry into Match Group’s data procedures for its Tinder service in 2020.
It is understood this was an own-initiative inquiry, meaning the DPC launched it on its own initiative rather than in response to a formal complaint.
The DPC investigation focused mainly on the operation of a self-service tool on Tinder called ‘Download My Data,' finding it failed to meet certain privacy requirements.
The group has since been handed a whopping €11 million fine. It found that the tool, which was presented as a means of users obtaining a copy of their Tinder data, failed to provide users with all of the data being stored on the app.
This included entire categories of information being omitted or presented only as a summary. The investigation found that users were seldom ever given an explanation as to why their data was being withheld or had been given in the form of a summary.
Deputy commissioner of the DPC, Graham Doyle, said: "tens of thousands of users used the Download My Data tool during the period of time assessed by the inquiry."
However, he stressed that the automated tools were not in compliance. The DPC ordered Match Group to bring its procedures into compliance within three months and fined the firm €11 million.
Mr. Doyle admitted that the automated tools did not need to provide a complete copy of personal data but that processes needed to be "fair and transparent to individuals regarding the extent of the data provided."
Match Group has said it now intends to appeal the DPC’s decision.
A spokesperson said: "Tinder engaged with the DPC throughout this investigation, and we stand behind the privacy protections we’ve built for our users."
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.