Making Grindr accountable for sharing HIV data

Chaya Hanoomanjee, from law firm Austen Hayes, explains why this case matters, and what to do if you think you may have been affected.

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Law firm Austen Hayes has acted on complex and significant collective class actions in the UK, seeking financial redress for those who have suffered damage as a result of misconduct. It is currently working with Grindr users in the UK whose confidential data has been breached. In this guest blog, managing director Chaya Hanoomanjee explains more about the case, why it matters, and what to do if you think you may have been affected.

Grindr shared users’ HIV status with advertisers. Here’s how it is being held to account

Imagine entrusting someone with information about your HIV status, only for that person to share that information with others, without your knowledge or consent.

This is exactly what Grindr has done to thousands of users in the UK, breaching data protection laws and exploiting the sensitive, personal data it holds for commercial gain. Austen Hays’ clients have launched a collective action against Grindr in relation to this violation of their privacy.

Why have our clients launched a claim against Grindr?

Since its launch in 2009, Grindr has played an important role in the LGBT+ community. Millions of users around the world entrust Grindr with highly personal information to use its services and meet like-minded people. It portrayed itself as a “safe place” for the LGBT+ community.

Grindr has broken this trust. Between 2018 and 2021, Grindr shared highly sensitive and personal data, including HIV status, last tested dates, and use of medications such as PrEP, with third party advertising companies without its users’ consent. This information was exploited for online behavioural marketing purposes, and with little to no regard for the welfare of Grindr users and their rights under data protection law. When it was discovered that Grindr had shared HIV information, its response was that people had decided to give this sensitive information publicly.

Many people living with HIV still face stigma and discrimination in their daily lives. By sharing this information with advertisers, Grindr has exposed thousands of users to stress and fear of any ensuing consequences.

Is this the first time Grindr has faced criticism?

Grindr has already received sanctions for its abusive practices. On 1 July 2024, the company lost its challenge against the Norwegian State’s decision to issue a record fine of 650,000,000 Norwegian Krone (NOK) for violating General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in Norway.

In July 2022, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a reprimand against Grindr for infringing the UK’s GDPR.

It has repeatedly been found to not respect European laws regarding privacy yet has failed to apologise to its users and provide any form of compensation.

Several reports and investigations have also highlighted Grindr’s abusive practices in tracking and sharing user data.

How does the claim work and who can join?

On 28 March 2024, Grindr users issued a claim against Grindr in the High Court of England & Wales.

Eligible claimants include anyone who is UK-based and who used the free version of the app between 2018 and 2021. Signing up is quick, involving a simple two-step process to check eligibility and review and sign the engagement letter.

From that point, the team at Austen Hays will work on our claimants’ behalf without any upfront fees or charges or any risks borne by claimants. Claimants could be entitled to thousands in the event of success.

Austen Hays has secured anonymity for all claimants, meaning that their names and details will be treated in total confidence and never disclosed as part of the court proceedings. Claimants can also continue to use Grindr if they wish.

Grindr was, and still is, an important part of the LGBTQ+ community. This claim is aimed at ensuring Grindr is held accountable and ensuring it does not continue to ignore privacy laws. By breaching the trust of its users for profit, Grindr has caused significant distress. When you share your personal information with such apps, you have a right to expect that they will do everything necessary to protect it.

If you think you have been affected by Grindr’s failure to do so, be part of the claim that will hold it to account by checking your eligibility here.