Security breach has betrayed users' trust

LGBT campaigners have cautioned against using dating sites after it emerged Grindr shared data with two external companies.

It was revealed this week the LGBT dating app had, among other things, provided information on HIV status, including date last tested.

It has since stopped sharing the data.

Grindr’s security boss Bryce Case said data sharing with third-party companies with the goal of improving the app, rather than selling data, was commonplace.

"I understand the news cycle right now is very focused on these issues,” he said.

"I think what’s happened to Grindr is, unfairly, we’ve been singled out."

However, GayTay, the Dundee-based gay rights organisation, slammed Grindr for exposing an “already vulnerable community to increased attacks” and abuse.

Paul Penta, founder of GayTay, said Grider’s actions were exacerbated by its response to the revelation.

“Considering the millions of users the app has basically sold gay men down the river,” he told TFN. “I’d urge users to quit the app not just for safety but also as a protest.

“Grindr has a huge responsibility here, let’s not forget. It’s all about trust and that trust has been pretty badly broken. Then it responds by saying it has been unfairly targeted. Wrong message.”

And veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell joined the condemnation also saying security breaches could exploited by homophobic vigilantes to make violent attacks.

Tatchell added: “All dating apps serving LGBT people must comply with data laws but its operators also have a special duty to adhere to a higher standard of confidentiality, given the prevalence of HIV stigma and homophobic prejudice, discrimination and hate crime in many countries."