Grindr, the popular gay dating and hookup app, is prompting users to share their personal data to help train new AI-powered features as part of a tech-driven rebrand. The app is now positioning itself as a “Global Gayborhood in Your Pocket,” and says the new tools will offer a more personalised user experience.
In a message sent to users, Grindr states:
“We ask for your consent to use certain types of your data that privacy laws define as sensitive to help deliver AI technology, enabling a more personalised Grindr experience for the Grindr community.”
The platform promises new “intelligent features” tailored to each user, such as personalised match recommendations and a chatbot companion.
What Kind of Data Is Being Collected?
If users consent, Grindr will collect a range of sensitive information, including:
- Ethnicity
- Pronouns
- Gender
- “Looking for” status
- Tribe and tags
- Sexual position
- Profile text
- Chat message content
- Precise GPS location
However, Grindr says it will not collect information about HIV status, last testing date, or vaccination records.
The company says that users can revoke their consent at any time through the app’s privacy settings.
“No” Doesn’t Always Mean “No”
Despite the option to decline, users are reporting that the data request pop-up keeps coming back. A user based in Sydney, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their experience:
“I’ve had this pop-up reappear every day since I first declined to share my data… it just comes back again regardless of what you do – sometimes more than once a day,” they said.
“I’ve seen this pop-up more times than I received Trumpet of Patriot texts during the federal election.”
AI, Marketing, and Monetisation
Grindr began rolling out its AI personalisation roadmap in January, introducing features like AI-generated chat summaries and plans for a “Gayborhood Expansion” that will market lifestyle products and services to users.
“This year, we’ll introduce groundbreaking features to enhance the Grindr experience like never before,” said CEO George Arison.
“We’re creating products that add value for our users, enabling us to deliver an awesome app for them and great long-term results for our shareholders.”
While Grindr’s pivot to AI and expansion beyond hookups reflects a broader digital strategy, privacy advocates and users are wary of how deeply the company may dive into their personal lives, especially in an era where LGBTQ+ data protection is increasingly under threat globally.
