Advertisers are swiping right on your dating data

0
AI detects online dating scams

It’s easy to assume that something as personal as dating is going to be treated with a bit of discretion. But in the real world, it’s likely that as you’re finding matches, you’re also letting advertisers add to their treasure trove of data about you.

A new report from tracker-blocking site Ghostery shows exactly how the eight biggest dating sites – Tinder, OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, Match, eHarmony, Zoosk, Badoo and OurTime – treat your personal information – and the results ain’t pretty.

All eight sites use trackers to one degree or another, with Match.com boasting the most – a whopping 36 – 11 more than its nearest challenger.

Honors for the fewest trackers go to Badoo, with just nine, reflecting its image as “the good guys” of the dating world.

It’s worth pointing out that this study refers to websites only – if you use the app, none of these concerns applies – though don’t assume that means you’re automatically safe – apps use trackers too.

So who is listening? Well, the usual suspects – Facebook and Google – appear in the tracker list for all eight of the sites tested. Instagram tracks Tinder and OKCupid, whilst Amazon was on five out of eight – OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, Match, Zoosk and OurTime.

Match was quick to defend its stance in a statement to Mashable:

“Match Group companies use cookies to provide, secure and improve their services, measure site performance and usage and tailor ads to users’ interests.

“We do not sell user data. We understand that nothing is more important on a dating site than keeping personal information personal, which is why, unlike other tech companies whose business models rely on the sale of personal information, ours is subscription-based and reliant on engendering trust and being a great experience for users, NOT the sale of data.”

So what can you do? Unsurprisingly, Ghostery is keen for you to know that its products will solve your problems (including a forthcoming mobile edition to protect your apps), but if you want to sort things out manually, the first thing to do is see if there’s an option in your account settings to turn off personalised advertising. Facebook has one, and other sites on this list are likely to have it too.

Read Next: How did dating sites become such a hot mess?

 

 

 

 

Affiliate Disclosure
Some articles contain affiliate links that allow us to earn money if you decide to purchase any of these products or services. This does not cost you any extra, and it allows us to continue to run this independent website without ads. Affiliate links have no relation to review ratings or other editorial coverage. You can read the full policy here.

Chris M
Chris M

Chris has worked in technology journalism for over a decade, and brings his nerdy expertise to looking at what goes on under the hood of sex tech. With over a decade of expertise in his field, Chris brings a nerdy perspective to his exploration of the fascinating world behind the scenes. His articles have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Engadget, TechRadar, AskMen, and The Register.

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a reply

SEXTECHGUIDE
LATEST
Comparisons
20+ Best VR Porn Sites
6+ Best Gay & Trans VR Porn Sites
10+ Best AI Porn Generators
3+ Best AI Girlfriend Apps
9+ Best XXX Cam Sites
15+ Best Chromecast Porn Sites
13+ Best Porn Apps
9+ Best iPhone Porn Sites
Ultimate Sound-responsive Vibrator Guide
6+ OnlyFans Alternatives
10+ Best Toys for People with Disabilities
14+ Best Mini Vibrators
13 Sex Tech Solutions for Premature Ejaculation
7-Step Guide to Camming
Watch VR Porn on Any Headset
Consent 101