Grindr must pay €5.65 million for GDPR breach, court rules
The dating app Grindr has been fined €5.65 million by the Oslo District Court following a complaint from the Norwegian Consumer Council in 2020. The court ruled that Grindr unlawfully shared sensitive user data with multiple commercial third parties. This verdict marks a significant step in safeguarding consumer privacy and security online.
The Norwegian Consumer Council’s complaint highlighted Grindr’s practice of collecting and sharing personal data with various commercial entities for targeted advertising purposes. Both the Norwegian Data Protection Authority and the Norwegian Privacy Appeals Board found Grindr in violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and imposed a fine of €5.65 million. This case underscores the need for stricter regulations to curb the misuse of personal data for commercial gain.
In response to the Grindr case, the Norwegian Government is considering implementing a national ban on surveillance-based advertising. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the digital advertising industry to prioritize consumer rights over profit. Structural changes are imperative to prevent the exploitation of personal data for targeted advertising and other purposes.
The ruling against Grindr sets a precedent for companies engaging in commercial surveillance, emphasizing the importance of respecting consumer privacy rights and complying with data protection regulations. This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive changes in the digital advertising sector to protect individuals from data misuse.
Source: Grindr is made to pay after a complaint from the Norwegian Consumer Council
