Grindr is sending all kinds of user data to third-party companies, including HIV status

Grindr has a communication problem. 

The social networking app used by 3.6 million people has been doing more than simply facilitating hookups, and in the process has potentially put the privacy of its users at risk. 

According a report from BuzzFeed News, the company is sharing user data with two other companies — data that includes email addresses, GPS data, phone IDs, and HIV statuses. Taken as a whole, this information could be used to determine the HIV status of individuals by name. 

After all, how many of you use some form of your real name as your email address? This, paired with your phone ID and GPS location, is likely more than enough to peg data to a specific person. What's more, even if Grindr doesn't have specific health data on you, this information might be enough to identify you as a user of a queer-focused app.  Read more...