Hacked The Gayborhood
Dec 1, 2025
In this discussion, Chaya Hanoomanjee, a partner at Austin Hayes and expert in data protection litigation, tackles the serious allegations against Grindr. She reveals how the app, marketed as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, is claimed to have shared sensitive user data without proper consent. Chaya breaks down issues of special category data, the intent behind sharing, and the real-life impact on users, including distress and outing risks. She emphasizes the need for accountability and better data practices in the tech industry.
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Regulators Flag App Data As Sensitive
- Grindr was found to share detailed user data with ad networks without valid consent.
- Regulators treated being a Grindr user as revealing sexual orientation, making the data especially sensitive.
Sensitive Profile Fields Were Collected
- Chaya Hanoomanjee explains Grindr collected sensitive info including HIV testing dates and sexual preference.
- The claim alleges this data was shared with third and possibly further parties without explicit consent.
Third Parties Multiply Data Reach
- Data was shared with named ad and analytics companies like Mopub, Optimize, and Localytics.
- Once shared to third parties, users lose control and the data can propagate beyond known recipients.