Grindr, a popular hookup app, has agreed to a substantial payout to settle a lawsuit in the UK. The lawsuit alleged that Grindr had unlawfully shared sensitive user information, including HIV status, with advertisers. The California-based company has agreed to pay £26 million to approximately 12,000 individuals who joined the claim filed by London law firm Austen Hays in 2024. The claim accused Grindr of violating UK privacy laws by sharing user data, such as HIV status, testing details, and PrEP usage, with third-party companies like Localytics and Apptimize for targeted advertising purposes.
The lawsuit claimed that users may have unknowingly had their information shared with outside companies without their consent. Austen Hays emphasized Grindr’s significance in the LGBTQ+ community for facilitating connections and insisted on the need for accountability in handling user data. Eligible claimants who used the free version of the app between 2016 and 2020 are entitled to £2,167 each as part of the settlement.
Grindr, while disputing the allegations, acknowledged the concerns raised by UK users about the privacy breach. The settlement, as per the company’s statement, does not imply any admission of liability. This legal issue follows a previous fine imposed on Grindr by Norway’s government for similar data sharing practices. Despite contesting the decision, Grindr lost its appeal in 2024.
Grindr, described as the largest social networking app for the LGBTQ+ community, was previously owned by Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., a Chinese gaming company. Following concerns over data privacy, the US government mandated Kunlun to divest from Grindr. The app was subsequently purchased by San Vicente Acquisition LLC for $620 million US. Grindr, launched in 2009, boasts over 15 million monthly active users globally and reported $138 million in revenue in the second quarter of 2026.
This settlement marks a significant development for Grindr and underscores the importance of safeguarding user data and privacy in the digital age.