Researchers from Belgian university KU Leuven conducted a study where they were able to pinpoint the exact location of users on certain popular dating apps. Their findings were published in a study titled “Swipe Left for Identity Theft.”
The researchers were able to identify the location of users in six out of 15 location-based dating apps, which assist in connecting users with others in close proximity.
The location of users was determined using trilateration, a method that involves creating a triangle or circle around a user to determine their exact location based on distance.
The study revealed that apps like Badoo, Grindr, happn, Bumble, Hinge, and Hilly were among those where researchers could accurately track the location of users.
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These apps often rely on GPS data to connect users in close proximity, a feature that also poses privacy risks.
The researchers highlighted the risks associated with sharing location data on these apps, as it could potentially lead to physical harm, stalking, and other dangerous situations. They emphasized the need for strict protection of users’ personal data to prevent any breaches or leaks.
While apps like Tinder, POF, and OKCupid did not allow researchers to pinpoint users’ exact locations, they still posed risks of unintentional data leaks, including sensitive information like health and race.
“The apps’ privacy policies generally fail to inform users about these privacy threats and leave the burden of protecting personal (sensitive) data to the users,” the researchers noted. They hope that raising awareness about these issues will prompt dating app providers to reassess their data collection practices and prioritize user privacy and data security.
