An MEP has accused makers of the popular dating app, Tinder, of breaching EU rules by recording the personal data of its users without explicit consent.
Belgian politician Marc Tarabella says the app does not appropriately warn users of what data it is able to access.
Tarabella has called for an investigation into Tinder’s practices. The firm has not yet provided a response to the allegations.
Tinder launched in September 2012 and became famous for its swipe feature where users can quickly flick through photos of potential partners and make quick decisions on who is of interest to them.
Mr Tarabella has accused the app of a lack of clarity on how much personal data it controls of each user.
He said: “Once you subscribe, the company can do whatever it wants with your data. It can show them, distribute them to whomever or even modify them.”
There is concern that people are not aware enough of how misuse of their data can lead to future problems.
Tinder’s privacy policy gives the app access to each person’s Facebook profile, email addresses, interests, likes, gender, education, location, friends lists and much more.
Technology expert from law firm Linklaters, Peter Church, believes many apps and services could be in breach of EU data privacy rules.
He said: “Some apps are potentially very intrusive.
“The challenge is to make sure individuals understand what information is being collected and to give them choice and control.”
Vana Koutsomitis, who missed out on winning The Apprentice, told BusinessCloud that she believes her business DatePlay will become the world’s most in-demand online dating app.
With one in five relationships now starting online, Koutsomitis believes it’s the perfect time to launch a dating app – but there’s a twist as DatePlay combines gaming and online dating to bring people together.
We also reported recently how unique dating app Once has secured an additional €1million (£790,000) investment from a French venture capital firm.