Grindr and AI: debate over user data for training – app announces new settings

Queer dating app Grindr is facing criticism over how it uses member data for artificial intelligence. According to the company's help pages, it may use "limited data" – profile photos, age, display names and taps – by default to train its AI features unless users opt out. For so-called special-category data such as chat content, precise location, gender or sexual preferences and orientation, however, Grindr needs explicit consent. This was reported by the US magazine Metro Weekly on 24 October and the site Gayety on 27 October, after journalist Ronan Farrow criticised the default settings in a video.

Grindr says it uses AI to personalise the experience, summarise chats, recommend profiles and support platform safety. A spokesperson told the magazine Queerty that privacy and discretion are fundamental to Grindr and that users can opt out of having their information used for AI at any time. According to Gayety, Grindr announced on 27 October that revised sensitive-data controls would roll out that same week, with separate permissions for AI features and for developing the technology. The company says HIV status, testing information and vaccination status are excluded from AI training.

Opting out only applies going forward, however; Grindr does not promise to reverse training that has already taken place. Critics such as Farrow point out that most people never change default settings and warn of risks in the event of data breaches – especially for users in countries where homosexuality is criminalised. The US digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation is calling for prior consent. In September, Grindr agreed in the UK to a £26 million settlement with around 12,000 users who alleged that sensitive data had been shared with advertisers before 2020; the company disputes the allegations and has admitted no liability.