Grindr: HIV status shared with analytics companies

Grindr shared information about users' HIV status with two analytics companies. Years later it agreed to pay £26 million to settle a UK lawsuit, without admitting liability.

What happened

Grindr users can choose to show their HIV status and when they were last tested. In 2018 the Norwegian research institute SINTEF found that Grindr shared this information, together with other data, with two analytics companies, Apptimize and Localytics. Grindr said this was industry practice to test and improve the app, that the data was encrypted, and announced it would stop sharing HIV status with them. Researchers warned that health data combined with location and email could identify people. In 2024 a group action was brought in the High Court in London on behalf of more than 11,000 users, alleging sensitive data had been shared for commercial purposes. In September 2026 Grindr agreed to pay £26 million, in two instalments, to settle. Grindr disputes the allegations and says they concern practices before 2020 under its previous owner.

What is documented

• The Guardian (2018): Grindr shared HIV status and location data with Apptimize and Localytics, uncovered by SINTEF.
• BBC (2026): Grindr agreed to pay £26 million to settle a UK group action, according to a US regulatory filing.
• The settlement includes no admission of liability.
• Grindr was also reprimanded by the UK Information Commissioner's Office in 2022 for its data practices, according to the BBC.

What has not been established

• Whether the shared data led to any individual being identified or harmed.
• How many third parties may have had access beyond the two named companies.

What this means for you

1. Think carefully before adding health information to a dating profile – it may be shared beyond the people you're talking to.
2. Check the app's privacy settings and turn off what you don't need.
3. Remember that sensitive information can be combined with location and email to identify you.